Paying homage to the Grand Dame of Italian film

The BAMBI 2007 Lifetime Award goes to Sophia Loren. The actress will receive Germany’s most important media award in Düsseldorf on November 29, 2007. She will be honored for her extraordinary accomplishments in the world of Italian and international film and for her role as a unique cultural ambassador for Italy.

The daughter of a craftsman and an actress was born in Rome and grew up in Naples. Her career started at a "Miss Rome" beauty contest in which Sophia Loren only finished second, but attracted the attention of the juror who would make her a film star: Carlo Ponti, the legendary Italian producer and Loren’s husband of 50 years, until his death in January 2007.

Starting with her first lead in "Aida" in 1953, Sophia Loren starred in approximately 100 films. Her Italian films and her leads in major international productions made Italian culture popular all around the world. Sophia Loren made film history with films that often told her life story as well: "It Started in Naples", "Marriage Italian-Style", "The Pride and the Passion", "Lucky to Be a Woman", "The Miller’s Wife", "Pilgrim of Love", "Ghosts Italian-Style". Besides numerous important international prizes and a star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame", Sophia Loren received two Academy Awards, including one for the moving war drama "Two Women", as well as five Golden Globes and eight BAMBIs.

"The ninth BAMBI for Sophia Loren is an homage to a strong woman who has achieved the extraordinary, a woman of irresistible charisma, outstanding talent and impeccable character," according to the BAMBI jury.

The full interview with Sophia Loren was published in BUNTE, edition 41/October 4, 2007.

For further information, please contact:
Susanne Boemmel
Hubert Burda Media
Media Communication
Phone: 0049 - 89 - 9250 - 2575
Website: www.burda.de/presse/digitale_pressemappen/bambi

background information:

A symbol of public recognition, BAMBI is Germany’s most important media award honoring the most popular stars. Presented by comedian Harald Schmidt, the 59th award ceremony takes place in Düsseldorf on November 29, 2007. At the Congress Center, the event’s host—publisher Dr. Hubert Burda—is going to welcome about 1,000 celebrity guests from the world of business, society, politics, media and entertainment. The BAMBI Gala is broadcast on national public TV from 08:15 p.m. on; it is produced by Werner Kimmig GmbH.