He is regularly cited, alongside Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg, and Quentin Tarantino, as one of the very best American filmmakers still working today. Today, November 17, 2015, he celebrates his 73rd birthday. A film lover at heart, he invites you to embark on a language study trip to the United States, LEC simply had to Did you know to Martin Scorsese…
Movies rather than the clergy
The story of Martin Scorsese begins on November 17, 1942, when he was born in the Queens neighborhood of New York City —a city that would remain a constant source of inspiration for him, and one that you yourself may have the pleasure of exploring during a future language study trip to the United States. Born into a traditionalist Sicilian Catholic family, he came very close to pursuing a career in the clergy… before finally turning to cinema.
From Robert De Niro…
After directing a few short films, Martin Scorsese made his first feature film in 1967: *Who’s That Knocking at My Door*. Robert De Niro, one of his favorite actors, appeared early in the director’s career: Scorsese cast him as early as 1973 in *Mean Streets*, and later in *Taxi Driver*, *Raging Bull*, *Goodfellas*, and *Casino*.
… to Leonardo DiCaprio
True to his favorite actors—such as the aforementioned Robert De Niro, as well asHarvey Keitel—Martin Scorsese took a particular liking to Leonardo DiCaprio in the early 2000s. The director went on to make no fewer than five films with the actor, who is also of Italian descent.
A multi-award-winning director
Martin Scorsese has finally received the accolades that have marked a career envied by many directors—both young and old. Among these are:
- the Palme d'Or at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival for *Taxi Driver*
- the Best Director Award at the 1986 Cannes Film Festival for *After Hours*
- the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director for *The Departed* in 2007
- an Honorary César Award in 2000