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Benny Safdie

Directing

Born February 24, 1986 · New York City, New York, USA

Also known as Ben Safdie · The Safdie Brothers · Benjamin Safdie

Biography

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).

Awards & recognition

  • Silver Lion · 2025

Filmography29 titles

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

2026as Bowser Jr. (voice)

Pee-wee as Himself

2025Executive Producer

Oppenheimer

2023as Edward Teller

Marty Supreme

2025Thanks

Thank You Very Much

2023Executive Producer

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

2023as Herbert Simon

Uncut Gems

2019Director, Editor, Writer

Good Time

2017as Nick Nikas

Telemarketers

2023Executive Producer

Obi-Wan Kenobi

2022as Nari

Licorice Pizza

2021as Joel Wachs

Pieces of a Woman

2020as Chris

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God

2023Executive Producer

Ren Faire

2024Executive Producer

Lenny Cooke

2013Director, Editor

Togetherness

2015as Craddock Brother #2

Daddy Longlegs

2009Co-Producer, Director, Editor, Sound Designer, Writer

Happy Gilmore 2

2025as Frank Manatee

Heaven Knows What

2014Director, Editor, Sound Mixer, Sound Recordist

The Smashing Machine

2025Co-Producer, Director, Editor, Screenplay

The Curse

2023as Dougie Schecter

The Daily Show

1996as Self

Heartland

2012Producer

Stars at Noon

2022as CIA Man

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

2014as Self

Funny Pages

2022Producer

Yeast

2008as Riverguy 2

Person to Person

2017as Eugene

The Groomsmen

2006Production Assistant