In 1996, Tucci co-wrote, co-directed and starred in the comedy-drama film "Big Night". Tucci wrote the screenplay with his cousin Joseph Trapiano and directed the film with friend Campbell Scott. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it was nominated for the "Grand Jury Prize". Tucci and Tropiano won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay for writing the screenplay of the film. The film also featured his sister Christine and their mother, who wrote a cookbook for the film.