Directing
Benny Safdie
EN, FR cinema · 55 credits
Born
24 February 1986 (age 40)
Birthplace
New York City, New York, USA
Also known as Ben Safdie · The Safdie Brothers · Benjamin Safdie
Benjamin Safdie (born February 24, 1986) is an American filmmaker, actor, and editor best known for his collaborations with his older brother, Josh Safdie. Together, the Safdie brothers have established themselves as leading voices in contemporary independent cinema with acclaimed films such as Heaven Knows What (2014), Good Time (2017), and Uncut Gems (2019). In addition to directing, Benny has pursued a parallel career as an actor. His performance in Good Time earned him a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male. He has since appeared in high-profile films including Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza (2021), Kelly Fremon Craig’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023), and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023). On television, he co-created, co-wrote, and starred alongside Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone in the Showtime series The Curse (2023).
Known for
Filmography
Into the Woods with Mark
Actor, Director
Lizard Music
2027
Lizard Music
Director, Producer, Screenplay, Editor
The Odyssey
as Agamemnon
The Odyssey: The Making of an Epic
as Self (archive footage)
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
as Bowser Junior (voice)
Public Access
Executive Producer
Cameron Winter at Carnegie Hall
Camera Operator, Co-Producer
Happy Gilmore 2
as Frank Manatee
Thank You Very Much
Executive Producer
The Smashing Machine
Director, Screenplay, Co-Producer, Editor
Noah Britton: The Best Stuff I've Ever Done
Additional Camera
Oppenheimer
as Edward Teller
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
as Herbert Simon
Stars at Noon
as CIA Man
Funny Pages
Producer
Licorice Pizza
as Joel Wachs
Goldman v Silverman
as Al Silverman, Director
Pieces of a Woman
as Chris
Question & Answer
as Self, Director, Editor, Writer
Uncut Gems
Director, Writer, Editor
Good Time
as Nick Nikas, Director, Editor, Sound Recordist
Person to Person
as Eugene
Toback Vs. Mailer: The Incident
Director, Editor
Gone Tomorrow
Director
Heaven Knows What
Sound Recordist, Director, Editor, Sound Mixer
Solid Gold
as Goldman, Director
Lenny Cooke
Director, Editor
The Black Balloon
Director, Writer, Sound Recordist, Editor, Casting Director
Trophy Hunter
Director, Writer
Heartland
Producer
Buttons
Director, Director of Photography, Editor
Straight Hustle
Director, Writer
John's Gone
as John, Writer, Director, Editor, Producer
Daddy Longlegs
Director, Writer, Co-Producer, Editor, Sound Designer
The Acquaintances of a Lonely John
as John, Director, Editor, Writer, Producer
The Story of Charles Riverbank
as Charles Riverbank, Director, Writer
There's Nothing You Can Do
Actor, Director, Editor, Writer
Yeast
as Riverguy 2
John's Lonely Trip to Coney Island
Actor, Director, Editor
What To Do When Choking
Actor, Editor, Director
The Ralph Handel Story
as Ralph Handel, Director, Editor
If You See Something, Say Something
as Business Man 2, Writer
The Groomsmen
Production Assistant
The Adventures of Slater's Friend
as 1st Cameraman, Director, Editor, Writer
Alberto Live in a Bathroom
as Benny the Salesman