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Valerie Faris

Directing

Born October 20, 1958 · Los Angeles, California, USA

Also known as Valerie Jean Faris

IMDb

Biography

Valerie Faris (born October 20, 1958) is an American music video and film director. She and filmmaker husband Jonathan Dayton received critical acclaim for their feature film directorial debut, Little Miss Sunshine (2006). Later they directed the romantic comedy-drama Ruby Sparks (2012), and the biographical sports drama Battle of the Sexes (2017). Their most recent directing project is the Netflix comedy series, Living with Yourself, starring Paul Rudd.

Awards & recognition

  • César Award — Best Foreign Film · 2007
  • Independent Spirit Award — Best Director · 2007
  • Grammy Award — Best Music Video · 1999
  • Grammy Award — Best Music Film · 1989
  • BAFTA Award — Best Direction · 2007 · nominated
Show all 11 awards →
  • César Award — Best Foreign Film · 2007 · nominated
  • Independent Spirit Award — Best Director · 2007 · nominated
  • Broadcast Film Critics Association Award — Best Comedy Film · 2006 · nominated
  • Directors Guild of America Award — Outstanding Directing – Feature Film · 2006 · nominated
  • Grammy Award — Best Music Video · 1999 · nominated
  • Grammy Award — Best Music Film · 1989 · nominated

Filmography8 titles

Little Miss Sunshine

2006Director

Mr. Show with Bob and David

1995Director

Stick

2025Director, Executive Producer

Fleishman Is in Trouble

2022Director, Executive Producer

Ruby Sparks

2012Director

Living with Yourself

2019Director, Executive Producer

Battle of the Sexes

2017Director

The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years

1988Producer