Who was Fellini's favorite actor?

Fellini's favorite actor was Marcello Mastroianni, who starred in several of his most famous films, including "La Dolce Vita" and "8½." Their collaboration was significant in shaping cinema during the mid-20th century, as Mastroianni effectively embodied the complex, often introspective characters that are hallmarks of Fellini’s films. The actor’s versatility and charm allowed him to navigate Fellini's surreal storytelling style seamlessly, bringing depth and nuance to the roles he portrayed. This strong artistic partnership helped elevate both Mastroianni's and Fellini's legacies in the world of film, illustrating how integral their relationship was in the context of European cinema.

The other choices, while notable performers in their own right, did not share the same level of artistic rapport with Fellini. Robert De Niro, for example, is primarily associated with American cinema and works with directors like Martin Scorsese. Claudia Cardinale, though she worked with Fellini, was not his favored collaborator to the same extent as Mastroianni. Vittorio De Sica is renowned for his own directorial achievements and for being a leading figure in the Italian Neorealism movement rather than for his collaborations with Fellini