Benny 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).
Personal Details
Also Known As
Movies (40)
The Odyssey
2026
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
as Bowser Jr. (voice)
2026
Marty Supreme
Thanks (Crew)
2025
Noah Britton: The Best Stuff I've Ever Done
Additional Camera (Camera)
2025
The Smashing Machine
Director (Directing)
2025
Happy Gilmore 2
as Frank Manatee
2025
Thank You Very Much
Executive Producer (Production)
2025
Oppenheimer
as Edward Teller
2023
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
as Herbert Simon
2023
Stars at Noon
as CIA Man
2022
Funny Pages
Producer (Production)
2022
Licorice Pizza
as Joel Wachs
2021
Pieces of a Woman
as Chris
2020
Money on the Street: The Making of Uncut Gems
as Self
2020
Question & Answer
as Self
2020
Goldman v Silverman
as Al Silverman
2020
Uncut Gems
Director (Directing)
2019
The Universe Is Out There: Josh and Benny Safdie
as Self
2017
The Pure and the Damned
Director (Directing)
2017
Good Time
as Nick Nikas
2017
Person to Person
as Eugene
2017
Toback Vs. Mailer: The Incident
Editor (Editing)
2016
Heaven Knows What
Editor (Editing)
2015
A Hot Two Weeks: The Making of Heaven Knows What
2015
Lenny Cooke
Director (Directing)
2013
Solid Gold
as Goldman
2013
Trophy Hunter
Director (Directing)
2012
Heartland
Producer (Production)
2012
The Black Balloon
Director (Directing)
2012
Second Stop from Jupiter: The Making of Daddy Longlegs
as Himself
2011
Straight Hustle
Writer (Writing)
2011
Buttons
Director (Directing)
2011
John's Gone
as John
2010
Daddy Longlegs
Director (Directing)
2010
The Surprise Tour
Editor (Editing)
2010
Why? (This Movie Exists)
2010
The Pleasure of Being Robbed
Editor (Editing)
2008
John's Lonely Trip to Coney Island
2008
There's Nothing You Can Do
2008
The Acquaintances of a Lonely John
as John
2008
TV Shows (10)
Mr. Scorsese
as Self
2025
Pee-wee as Himself
Executive Producer (Production)
2025
Ren Faire
Executive Producer (Production)
2024
Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God
Executive Producer (Production)
2023
The Curse
as Dougie Schecter
2023
Telemarketers
Executive Producer (Production)
2023
Obi-Wan Kenobi
as Nari
2022
Togetherness
as Craddock Brother #2
2015
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
as Self
2014
The Neistat Brothers
as Self
2010