He is most famous for his role in the 1989 Spike Lee film Do the Right Thing . Aiello was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award in 1990 for his role as Sal , the pizzeria owner . He had a pivotal role in the 1989 Spike Lee film Do the Right Thing , earning a nomination for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of Salvatore ` Sal ' Frangione , the pizzeria owner , and also as Don Domenico Clericuzio in the miniseries Mario Puzo 's The Last Don .