(1897–1991), U.S. motion picture director and producer. Born in Palermo, Sicily, Capra and his family emigrated to Los Angeles, Calif., in 1903. As a motion-picture director, he won three Academy awards, for It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), and You Can't Take It with You (1938). Other memorable films directed by Capra include Lady for a Day (1933), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Meet John Doe (1941), and It's a Wonderful Life (1946). His autobiography, The Name Above the Title, was published in 1971. (See also Directing.)