Amelia Bence, Argentine actress (b. 1914)

Amelia Bence, born María Amelia Batvinik on November 13, 1914, and passing on February 8, 2016, stands as an iconic Argentine film actress and a quintessential "diva" of the illustrious Golden Age of Argentine Cinema (roughly 1940–1960). This period marked a peak of artistic and commercial success for Argentine film, characterized by a flourishing studio system, the emergence of beloved stars like Bence, and a significant output of diverse genres that garnered widespread popularity across Latin America and beyond.

Born in Buenos Aires to Belarusian Jewish immigrants, Bence embarked on her artistic journey at a remarkably young age. Her foundational training included studies at the renowned Lavardén Children's Theater under the guidance of Alfonsina Storni, one of Argentina's most prominent poets and a pioneering feminist figure. She further honed her craft at the prestigious Conservatorio Nacional de Música y Declamación (National Conservatory of Music and Speech) with Mecha Quintana, laying the groundwork for her versatile career.

Pioneering Film Debut and Ascendancy to Stardom

Bence's cinematic debut arrived in 1933 with "Dancing," a landmark achievement as only the second sound film ever produced in Argentina. Directed by the influential Luis Moglia Barth, this early role showcased her nascent talent in the burgeoning era of "talkies" for the nation. Her undeniable breakthrough came with her powerful performance in the 1942 historical epic, "La guerra gaucha" (The Gaucho War). Directed by Lucas Demare, this film is widely regarded as one of the most important in Argentine cinema history, not only for its artistic merit and depiction of national identity but also for its profound impact on Bence’s career, solidifying her status and leading to a cascade of starring offers.

Her prolific output during the Golden Age saw her grace the screen in numerous successful productions. Notable roles include:

Her exceptional talent was consistently recognized by her peers. She received the coveted Best Actress award from the Argentine Academy of Cinematography Arts and Sciences for her performances in "Todo un hombre," "A sangre fría," and "Danza del fuego." Furthermore, she earned the prestigious Silver Condor Award for Best Actress for her role in "Lauracha" (1946), a testament to her standing in the industry. Beyond Argentina, her work garnered acclaim and awards in Spain, Cuba, and the United States throughout the 1940s and 1950s, highlighting her international reach.

Expanding Horizons: Mexico, Theater, and International Recognition

In 1950, Bence married the Spanish actor Alberto Closas; they later divorced. In the 1960s, she was in a relationship with theatrical director Osvaldo Cattone. Her career trajectory saw her venture beyond Argentina's borders. Between 1952 and 1954, she secured a contract with Reforma Films, a prominent Mexican studio, to star in two films in Mexico, expanding her influence within Latin American cinema. A particularly significant role arrived with the 1957 film "Alfonsina," where she delivered a critically acclaimed portrayal of her former teacher, the poet Alfonsina Storni. This biographical drama was not only selected as the Argentine entry for the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival, one of the world's leading cinematic events, but also earned her another award from the Argentina Film Academy, underscoring her continued artistic excellence.

The 1960s marked a deliberate expansion of her artistic endeavors into an extensive theater career. She captivated audiences with her powerful stage presence in a variety of celebrated productions, including:

Her dedication to live performance allowed her to explore new facets of her acting range.

Later Career, Tours, and Lasting Legacy

Amelia Bence's commitment to her craft remained unwavering well into her later years. From 1973 to 1976, she embarked on an extensive and successful tour across Latin America, connecting with audiences throughout the continent. A notable highlight of this period was her appearance in "La valija" (The Suitcase) at the Gramercy Arts Theater in New York City. Her compelling performance earned her the esteemed Association of Latin Entertainment Critics (ACE) Award for Best Foreign Actress, a significant recognition within the Hispanic artistic community in the United States. She continued to achieve critical and popular success with her memorable characterizations in plays such as "Doña Rosita, la soltera" (Doña Rosita, the Spinster, 1975) by the renowned Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca, performed in the United States, and "La loba" (The She-Wolf, 1982) in Peru, an adaptation of Lillian Hellman's "The Little Foxes," further demonstrating her adaptability and international appeal.

The final phase of her illustrious career saw her embrace the medium of television, where she continued to showcase her acting prowess in various popular series, typically telenovelas, including "Romina," "Bianca," and "Las 24 horas," reaching new generations of viewers.

Enduring Recognition and Retirement

Amelia Bence's profound contributions to the arts were repeatedly honored with lifetime achievement accolades. In 1989, she received the prestigious Silver Condor for Lifetime Achievement Award, Argentina's highest cinematic honor. Further recognition followed with similar lifetime awards at the Podesta Awards in 1992 and from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1997, solidifying her place as a legend in Argentine and Latin American entertainment history.

Between 1996 and 2010, even in her later years, she continued to perform, appearing in various theaters with her captivating one-woman show titled "Alfonsina." This unique production elegantly combined music and poetry, serving as a poignant tribute to her former teacher, Alfonsina Storni. After an extraordinary career that spanned an impressive eight decades in entertainment, Amelia Bence officially retired in 2010, leaving behind an indelible legacy as one of Argentina's most revered and enduring actresses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amelia Bence

Who was Amelia Bence and why is she important in Argentine cinema?
Amelia Bence (born María Amelia Batvinik) was a preeminent Argentine film actress and one of the leading "divas" of the Golden Age of Argentine Cinema (1940-1960). She is considered crucial for her powerful performances, versatility, and contributions to shaping the industry during its most celebrated period, starring in over 50 films and achieving widespread recognition across Latin America.
Which of Amelia Bence's films are considered her most significant?
While many of her films were notable, "La guerra gaucha" (1942) is often cited as a cornerstone of Argentine cinema and a turning point in her career. Other acclaimed works for which she received awards include "Todo un hombre" (1943), "A sangre fría" (1947), "Danza del fuego" (1949), and "Lauracha" (1946). Her role in "Alfonsina" (1957), a biographical drama about her former teacher Alfonsina Storni, also received significant critical praise and international recognition.
Did Amelia Bence also have a career in theater or television?
Yes, Amelia Bence developed an extensive and successful career in theater, particularly from the 1960s onwards, starring in numerous plays across Argentina and internationally, including productions in New York City. In her later career, she also transitioned to television, featuring in several popular series, demonstrating her remarkable adaptability across different performing arts mediums.