His career spanned six decades, during which time he earned several awards for the innovative contents of his composing style.
He was particularly appreciated for the revolutionary innovation of incorporating the sounds of non-orchestral instruments like that of a jaw harp or a harmonica, everyday noises (like the tick-tock of a clock, the ring of a bicycle bell or the ticking sound of typewriters in Rome 11:00) in a musical score, with the purpose to underline some particular film scenes.
After World War II he developed an artistical partnership with such famous Italian film directors as Giuseppe De Santis and Roberto Rossellini.
During his career, Mario Nascimbene won three Nastro d'Argento for Best Score awards in 1952 for Rome 11:00, in 1960 for Violent Summer, and 1968 for Pronto... c'è una certa Giuliana per te.
He was also nominated for a David di Donatello Award in 1990 for his work on Blue dolphin - l'avventura continua.