Legendary international superstar Sophia Loren celebrated her 90th birthday on September 20, 2024 with her family and friends at her birth city Rome.
120 family members and guests gathered at The Space Cinema Moderno at Piazza della Repubblica in central Rome at 6:30pm for presentation of the first “Chiave di Cinecitta” (keys to Cinecitta) to Sophia Loren by the Italian Ministry of Culture and Cinecitta, greetings from the guests in attendance and the screening of the episode “Pizze e Credito” (23’) by Vittorio De Sica, a restored version by Cinecitta and Filmauro.
Followed by a 7:30pm cocktails and private dinner on the roof top of the Anantara Palazzo le Naiadi Hotel next door.
Sophia Loren’s acting performances over nearly 5 decades have not only showcased her exceptional abilities and her dazzling beauty and charm but have also left an enduring impact on audiences of all ages and all nationalities, solidifying her as a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment world.
In addition to her acting career, she has actively participated in various humanitarian and charitable causes, leveraging her platform to make a meaningful difference and further establishing herself as a revered global icon with a profound commitment to social good.
Renowned for her elegance, versatility, and iconic roles in Hollywood and Italian films. Her inspiring evolution spanned over 5 decades. For the occasion of her 90th birthday, Sophia wore a glittering silver outfit from the Giorgio Armani Privé collection, teaming it with a dazzling diamond necklace and earrings while her hair was done in her signature style, with big volume on the top and a slight curl at the ends. (the hair I always wished I had!) Sophia Loren was accompanied by her sons, Carlo Jr. and Edoardo, her grandchildren and friends. I was guest of Carlo Jr.
Fans and TV cameras lined up the front of the Annatara Palazzo le Naiadi building at Piazza della Republica waited to see her. And celebrities posted the celebratory messages including Armani’s Instagram with a video of the celebration, giving a shoutout to Loren’s son Edoardo Ponti and longtime friend Massimo Leonardelli and shared a black and white throwback shot showing the pair looking glamorous as Loren kissed his cheek, while another photo showed her sitting next to the designer on a chair while smiling and placing her head affectionately on his shoulder.
At age 90, she looked amazing, still the most gorgeous woman radiate the same beauty and charm that made her a Hollywood superstar and icon.
I met Sophia and her late husband movie director/producer Carlo Ponti in 1995 when I co-hosted a special luncheon at the request of Consul General of Italy for Sophia and Carlo when she came to San Francisco and cut ribbon at the opening of Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), she was just over age 60 at the time, looked absolutely stunning.
I was at celebration of her 80th birthday at Festival Napa Valley in 2014 when her son Carlo Ponti and his non-profit Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra performed at the Festival, the VIP guests attended that birthday included Robert Redford, Francis Ford Coppola, Whoopi Goldberg, Margarit Mondavi and Maria Manetti.
Again, I was with Sophia when she was 85 years old in 2019 at the Vienna Opera House when she was given European Culture Award for her status as the queen of cinema in Europe and the world.
Her son Carlo Jr. was with her and handed her the award on the stage with about thousand guests attended. I am looking forward to celebrating Sophia’s 100th birthday! Here is to the ageless lady of the screen icon of the world!