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Oscar MartinezArgentine actor, writer and theatre director
Date of Birth: 23.10.1949
Country:  Argentina |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Oscar Martínez, an acclaimed Argentine actor, writer, and theater director, has dedicated over five decades to his art, excelling both on the big screen and the stage. Born on October 23, 1949, in Buenos Aires, Martínez's passion for the performing arts ignited at a young age. At 14, he began studying dramatic arts, and by 20, he was already an established actor. His early love of literature drew him to the power of words, and he remains an avid reader.
Theatrical and Film Success
Martínez's acting debut came on local television in a brief series role in 1969, followed by his first stage appearance the following year. From that point forward, he consistently expanded his repertoire with new projects in both film and theater. Recognition for his exceptional talent arrived 16 years later when he won a Condor Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Federico Pinedo in the political drama "Assassination in the Senate."
On stage, Martínez has gained acclaim for his performances in plays such as "The Glass Menagerie" and "The Cherry Orchard." He has also played both Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri in "Amadeus," spanning 30 years between his two portrayals. Além de atuar, Martínez também foi roteirista e diretor, criando várias peças, incluindo "She's on My Mind," "The Misdeeds," e "Pure Invention."
In 1991, he received the prestigious Argentine Konex Award as Best Film and Theater Artist. He repeated this triumph two more times over the following decades, earning accolades as Best Theater Performer (2001) and Best Film Actor (2011).
International Recognition
Martínez's fame extended beyond Argentina with his later films. He starred in the black comedy "Wild Tales," which premiered at Cannes in 2014. 2016 proved to be an exceptional year for the actor, with the release of the comedy "1+1: Untouchable," a remake of the French film "1+1." Martínez portrayed Philippe, a wealthy businessman confined to a wheelchair, assisted by a gardener played by Rodrigo de la Serna of "Money Heist" fame.
Later that year, Martínez received the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in "The Distinguished Citizen." In this poignant drama, he played Daniel Mantovani, a Nobel Prize-winning author whose life in Europe is disrupted by a visit to his hometown in Argentina. The film also earned an Oscar nomination.
Personal Life
Martínez found marital happiness after two failed marriages. His first wife, Cristina Lastra, bore him three daughters: Virginia, Victoria, and Ana. His second wife, Mercedes Morán, an actress, gave him a fourth daughter, Manuela. In 2011, at the age of 62, he married Marina Borenstein.
Recent Works
Martínez continues to captivate audiences with his nuanced performances. His latest film, "Official Competition," a satirical comedy about the tumultuous production of a film, premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2021. In this acclaimed film, Martínez portrays an aging Hollywood icon opposite Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz.
