Bernardo Bertolucci, ‘Last Tango In Paris’ Director, Dies At 77

Bernardo Bertolucci on stage during the Closing Ceremony at the 70th Venice International Film Festival in 2013.

Ian Gavan / Getty Images

Bernaldo Bertolucci, the Oscar-winning director whose groundbreaking films set in turbulent times, including Last Tango In Paris and The Last Emperor, died Monday at 77.

His publicist confirmed to Variety that Bertolucci died Monday morning in his home from cancer.

Bertolucci’s provocative five decades as a filmmaker left audiences thrilled and shocked thanks to his brazen subject matter and pristine visual talent. A key figure in Italian cinema, Bertolucci is the only filmmaker of his nationality to have won the Academy Award for best director.