- Joe and Anthony Russo Honored at TCL Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
- Directors of Marvel Blockbusters Lay Their Hands, Feet in Cement
- All-Star Ceremony Includes Chris Pratt, Marvel Studios Leadership
By Truby Chiaviello, PRIMO Magazine
Joe and Anthony Russo, the visionary directors behind some of the biggest films in cinematic history, were honored on Feb. 21 with a handprint ceremony at the historic TCL Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
The event was a pivotal milestone for the filmmaking duo, who have not only shaped the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but have also left an indelible mark on the film industry through their production company, AGBO.
Friday’s ceremony was attended by family, friends and Hollywood collaborators, reinforcing just how influential the Russos have become in international film and television.
The presence of Marvel Studios co-Presidents, Kevin Feige and Louis D’Esposito, was a testament to the Russo Brothers’ role in the comic book film canon. The duo directed four of the most defining Marvel films — “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame” — the highest grossing film ever at the time of its release.
Altogether, the films directed by the Russos have generated almost $7 billion today, putting the Cleveland, Ohio, natives among the highest grossing filmmakers in history.
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The Russos are scheduled to direct two upcoming Marvel films, “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” due out in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
Also in attendance were Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the Russo Brothers’ longtime writing partners and the architects behind the scripts for their Marvel blockbusters.
The ceremony wasn’t just a Marvel reunion — it was also a celebration of the Russos’ 30-year journey from television to blockbuster filmmaking.
Actor Chris Pratt was in attendance to introduce the Russo Brothers, commending the pair for their Midwestern values and Italian American focus on family. He was later joined by actresses Alison Brie and Yvette Nicole Brown.
Pratt is set to star in the Russo Brothers’ next film “The Electric State,” which will premiere on March 14 on Netflix.
Adding to the significance of the event, the Russos were joined by their parents, Basil and Patricia Russo, who beamed with pride as their sons cemented their place in Hollywood history.
Joe and Anthony Russo (far left and far right), were joined by their parents, Basil and Patricia Russo, at the historic event in Hollywood.
Basil Russo remains the most prominent Italian American leader and advocate in the United States as he presides over the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA). He and his wife’s attendance was a reminder of how Joe’s and Anthony’s upbringing shaped their storytelling themes of loyalty, power and identity.
Their sister, Angela Russo-Otstot, AGBO’s Chief Creative Officer, was in attendance and played an integral role in the Russos’ career, helping steer projects like “Citadel” and “The Electric State.”
The Russo Brothers are now among Hollywood’s top luminaries at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Perhaps the most touching aspect of the event was the presence of Joe’s wife, Alicia, and Anthony’s wife, Ann. Joe’s daughter, Ava Russo, has already made a name for herself in Hollywood by portraying Lila Barton, the daughter of bow-and-arrow ace, Hawkeye, in the MCU; and Joe’s oldest daughter, Sophia Russo, serves as VP of Brand Development and Management at AGBO. Seeing multiple generations of the Russo family standing together made the event a truly full-circle moment.
While their work on the MCU defined a generation of storytelling, their focus has now shifted to AGBO, where they continue to innovate with high-stakes action and character-driven narratives. The event wasn’t just about celebrating their past —it was a recognition that the Russo Brothers will continue to shape the future of entertainment.
View the photo slideshow here.
Joe Russo credited his Cleveland roots and Italian American upbringing for the Brothers’ success.