Donnie Brasco
Donnie Brasco/Joseph D. 'Joe' Pistone
1997

Directed by: Mike Newell

Cast: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo




This true story follows FBI agent Joe Pistone as he infiltrates the mafia of New York. Befriending Lefty Ruggiero, Pistone (under the name Donnie Brasco) is able to embed himself in a mafia faction lead by Sonny Black. Ruggiero and Pistone become tight as the group goes about collecting money for 'the bosses'. Eventually, the group become big time when Black himself becomes a boss, all the while Pistone collects evidence. However, the trials and tribulations of the undercover work become more than Pistone can bear. His marriage falls apart and to top it off, the mafia suspect a mole in the organization. The real dilemma is afforded to Pistone, who knows if he walks away from the mafia, Ruggiero will be the one punished.

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

YEAR

AWARD

CATEGORY/RECIPIENT

RESULT

1998

Oscar

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: Paul Attanasio

Nominated

1997

BSFC Award

Best Actor: Al Pacino

Won

1998

BFCA Award

Best Picture

Nominated

1998

Chlotrudis Award

Best Actor: Johnny Depp

Nominated

1998

Chlotrudis Award

Best Actor: Al Pacino

Nominated

1998

Chlotrudis Award

Best Screenplay: Paul Attanasio

Nominated

1998

Edgar Allen Poe Award

Best Motion Picture: Paul Attanasio

Nominated