Luca Guadagnino

Luca Guadagnino (Italian: [ˈluːka ɡwadaɲˈɲiːno]; born 10 August 1971) is an Italian film director and producer. His films are characterized by their emotional complexity, eroticism, and lavish visuals. Guadagnino has received numerous accolades, including a Silver Lion and an Independent Spirit Award, alongside nominations for an Academy Award, three Golden Globes, and three BAFTAs.

Born in Palermo to an Algerian mother and a Sicilian father, Guadagnino spent part of his childhood in Ethiopia, but the family moved back to Italy to escape the Ethiopian Civil War. Guadagnino began his career directing short films and documentaries. He made his feature-film debut with The Protagonists (1999), the first of his many collaborations with actress Tilda Swinton. His follow-up Melissa P. (2005) was a commercial success in Italy but was met with mixed critical reception.

Guadagnino gained further acclaim with his Desire trilogy, which consists of the films I Am Love (2009), A Bigger Splash (2015), and Call Me by Your Name (2017). The latter brought him international recognition. Suspiria (2018), a remake of the 1977 film, was Guadagnino's first foray into the horror genre. It was a box office failure and polarized critics. Guadagnino made his television debut with the HBO coming-of-age miniseries We Are Who We Are (2020). He directed the romantic horror film Bones and All (2022), the romantic sports film Challengers (2024), the period romantic drama Queer (2024), and the psychological thriller After the Hunt (2025).

Guadagnino directed several documentaries including Salvatore: The Shoemaker of Dreams (2020) and Joie de vivre (2026). Aside from filmmaking, he has been involved in the world of fashion, directing advertisements for brands like Fendi and Salvatore Ferragamo. In 2012, Guadagnino founded the production company Frenesy Film Company. He also produced Belluscone: A Sicilian Story (2014), The Truffle Hunters (2020), Holiday (2023), and Enea (2023).