Benny Safdie

Benny Safdie (also credited as Ben Safdie or Benjamin Safdie) is a New York City–born American filmmaker, editor, and screen actor known for kinetic, street-level storytelling and a restless independent spirit. Born February 24, 1986, he rose to prominence through his long-running creative partnership with his older brother Josh, together widely recognized as the Safdie Brothers.

As a director, Safdie helped shape a modern wave of U.S. indie cinema with tense, character-driven films including Heaven Knows What, Good Time, and Uncut Gems. His work is often praised for its immediacy, propulsive pacing, and empathy for people living on the margins—traits that have made his filmography essential viewing for contemporary cinema fans.

Safdie has also built a notable acting career, earning awards attention for his performance in Good Time. He has since appeared in major productions such as Stars at Noon and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer as Edward Teller, while continuing to take on offbeat roles like Frank Manatee in Happy Gilmore 2.

On television, he expanded his profile by co-creating, co-writing, and starring in The Curse alongside Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone, further cementing his reputation as a versatile, boundary-pushing screen artist.