Born in Potenza Picena, Italy; educated at the University of Rome (architecture). Scarfiotti started out as a scenic designer for theatrical productions and operas in his native Italy. Despite his later success in films, Scarfiotti continued working with operas throughout his career. He did not begin working in film until the late '60s when, under the direction of his mentor Luchino Visconti with whom he had previously worked on several operas, he shared art directing duties on such films as SCUSI, FACCIAMO L'AMORE? / LISTEN, LET'S MAKE LOVE. Other art directing credits include DEATH IN VENICE (1971) and AVANTI! (1972). Scarfiotti's notable (non-nominated) production design credits include IL CONFORMISTA / THE CONFORMIST (1970), ULTIMO TANGO A PARIGI / LAST TANGO IN PARIS (1972), DAISY MILLER (1974), BAROCCO (1976), AMERICAN GIGOLO (uncredited) and FLASH GORDON (both 1980), CAT PEOPLE (1982), SCARFACE (1983, uncredited), STING: BRING ON THE NIGHT and MY MAN ADAM (both 1995), MAMBA (1988, a.k.a. "Fair Game"), THE SHELTERING SKY (1990) and LOVE AFFAIR (1994).  Best Achievement in Art Direction 1987: THE LAST EMPEROR - Art Direction  Nominated for Achievement in Art Direction 1992: TOYS - Art Direction 2 nominations, 1 Award