Martina Stella

Martina Stella is an Italian actress and screenwriter who first gained widespread attention at the age of sixteen when she starred in the 2001 film L'ultimo bacio. The movie became a box‑office hit in Italy and earned several nominations for the prestigious David di Donatello awards, helping to launch Stella’s career. Critics praised her portrayal of Francesca, describing her as a young Reese Witherspoon and noting that the performance offered a nuanced, sympathetic view of a sexually active teenager rather than a stereotypical bimbo. After her breakout role, Stella continued to build a solid filmography, appearing in Gabriele Salvatores’ 2002 drama Amnèsia and landing a small part in the Hollywood blockbuster Ocean's Twelve in 2004. She later expanded her international credentials by learning English for the 2009 Rob Marshall musical Nine, demonstrating a commitment to versatility across languages and genres. Stella also pursued the stage, debuting in the 2002 musical Aggiungi un posto a tavola and returning in 2006 for a production of Romeo e Giulietta, which highlighted her ability to transition between screen and live performance. Her television work includes lead roles in the miniseries Le ragazze di San Frediano and the series Piper, further solidifying her presence in Italian popular culture. In 2014, her screenplay O.O.B.I. was awarded Best Screenplay at the Italian Contemporary Film Festival in Toronto, confirming her talent behind the camera as well as in front of it. Beyond acting, Stella has served as a spokesperson for fashion and cosmetics brands and has actively supported charitable causes, frequently appearing on Italian talk shows to promote her projects. On a personal note, she welcomed her daughter Ginevra in 2012 after a relationship with stylist Gabriele Gregorini, later marrying Andrea Manfredonia in 2016 and having a son Leonardo in 2021.