The Official Story secured global recognition in 1985, bringing a Cannes Award for Best Actress to Norma Aleandro for her portrayal of a mother uncovering the truth about her adopted daughter. Her career spans decades of cinema and theatre, establishing her as a versatile performer, writer, and director within the Argentine cultural landscape.
Early Career and Exile
Born in Buenos Aires on 2 May 1936 to actors Pedro Aleandro and María Luisa Robledo, she entered the profession early, alongside her sister María Vaner. During the late 1970s, her vocal opposition to the military dictatorship led to forced exile, first in Uruguay and later in Spain. She did not return to Argentina until the military junta fell in 1983.
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Her performance in The Official Story marked a significant transition in her professional profile. Beyond the Cannes victory, she gained visibility in Hollywood through roles in Gaby: A True Story, earning both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress. She also worked on One Man's War opposite Anthony Hopkins and appeared in the 2009 James Ivory production The City of Your Final Destination.
Stage and Directorial Contributions
Beyond her screen credits, she is a prolific stage actor and theatre director. Her stage work includes the production of August: Osage County and a notable run in Master Class, which earned her the María Guerrero award in 1996. Her writing career is exemplified by the 1970 film The Inheritors, and she remains active in television, including her role in the Argentine version of En terapia.
Collaborative Filmography
Her body of work includes frequent collaborations with Héctor Alterio, appearing together in five features including The Truce, Son of the Bride, and Cleopatra. These projects often showcase the evolution of the Argentine film industry, moving from earlier works like Los siete Locos to modern critical successes such as Cama Adentro and Autumn Sun.
Fast facts
- Born: 2 May 1936, Buenos Aires
- Citizenship: Argentina
- Occupations: screenwriter, writer, stage actor, theatre director, film actor, plastic artist
- Cannes Award: Best Actress, 1985
- Konex Award: Diamond Award, 2001
- Illustrious Citizen of Buenos Aires: 1996
Questions readers ask
Did Norma Aleandro win an Academy Award?
No, she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1987 film Gaby: A True Story.
What is the Diamond Konex award?
It is an honor awarded to Aleandro in 2001 recognizing her career achievements in the arts.
Achievements
- Worked as theatre director, stage actor and film actor
