Born in Rome, Calvesi began his career in 1977 as a camera operator before debuting as cinematographer in 1990.
In 1992 he won a special Ciak d'oro for his work in Aurelio Grimaldi's Acla's Descent into Floristella.
[1] In 2003 Calvesi won the Golden Pegasus at the Flaiano Film Festival for his work in Roberto Faenza's The Soul Keeper.
[2] He won the Nastro d'Argento for best cinematography twice, in 2007 for Roberto Andò's Secret Journey[3] and in 2010 for Ferzan Özpetek's Loose Cannons.
[4] He also won two Globi d'oro (Italian Golden Globes), in 2007 for Mohsen Melliti's I, the Other[5] and in 2008 for Faenza's I Vicerè.