Benjamin “Benny” Safdie is an American filmmaker, screenwriter, actor, and editor who, alongside his older brother Josh, has carved out a unique and influential space in contemporary independent cinema. Known for their frenetic, anxiety-inducing, and character-driven films, the Safdie brothers have garnered critical acclaim for works like “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems.” Benny Safdie has also emerged as a respected actor in his own right, taking on significant roles in critically acclaimed films such as “Licorice Pizza,” “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.,” and “Oppenheimer,” as well as co-creating and starring in the television series “The Curse.”
Benny Safdie Overview
| Full Name | Benjamin Safdie |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1986 |
| Age | 39 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, Boston University College of Communication (BS) |
| Profession | Film director, screenwriter, actor, film editor, producer |
| Spouse | Ava Safdie (née Rawski), married 2013 |
| Children | Two sons, Cosmo and Murray |
| Family | Josh Safdie (brother), Alberto Safdie (father), Amy Safdie (mother), Moshe Safdie (great-uncle), Oren Safdie (first cousin once removed), Dov Charney (first cousin once removed) |
| Height | Approximately 6′ 1″ (1.85 m) |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $3 million and $12 million as of 2025. |
Early Life and Education of Benny Safdie
Benny Safdie was born on February 24, 1986, in New York City to a Jewish family. His parents, Amy and Alberto Safdie, divorced when he and his older brother, Josh, were young. This led to a childhood split between living with their father in Queens and their mother and stepfather in Manhattan. The turmoil of their youth would later serve as a significant inspiration for their cinematic work. Their father, a film enthusiast, constantly videotaped the brothers and introduced them to acclaimed movies at a young age, fostering their early interest in filmmaking.
Safdie is of diverse Jewish heritage; his father is of Sephardic Syrian-Jewish descent and was raised in France and Italy, while his mother is of Russian-Jewish Ashkenazi descent. He had a bar mitzvah but has stated he identifies more with the cultural aspects of Judaism than the religious ones. Safdie attended Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School. He went on to graduate from the Boston University College of Communication in 2008. During his time at Boston University, he and his brother co-founded the creative collective Red Bucket Films with several peers.
Benny Safdie’s Career
Filmmaking with Josh Safdie
Benny and Josh Safdie began making films together at a young age and developed a distinctive, gritty, and realistic style. Their early work was characterized by a do-it-yourself ethos, often featuring them in acting roles and handling most aspects of production themselves. Their first feature film, “Daddy Longlegs” (also known as “Go Get Some Rosemary”), was released in 2009 and drew from their own childhood experiences with their father. The film was showcased in the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.
The brothers gained further recognition with the documentary “Lenny Cooke” (2013), followed by the raw and intense drama “Heaven Knows What” (2014). Their major breakthrough came with the 2017 crime thriller “Good Time,” starring Robert Pattinson. The film competed for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and brought the brothers international acclaim. Their next film, “Uncut Gems” (2019), starring Adam Sandler in a critically lauded performance, was a major success. It was executive produced by Martin Scorsese and earned the Safdies the Independent Spirit Award for Best Director.
In early 2024, it was reported that the brothers would be pursuing individual projects, with Benny stating it was a “natural progression.”
Acting Career
While he often appeared in his own films, Benny Safdie began taking on acting roles in projects not directed by him or his brother starting in 2017. He earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male for his role as the intellectually disabled brother of Robert Pattinson’s character in “Good Time.” He has since built a notable acting career with roles in films like “Pieces of a Woman” (2020), Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza” (2021), the adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” (2023), and Christopher Nolan‘s “Oppenheimer” (2023), in which he portrayed physicist Edward Teller. He has also appeared in the Disney+ series “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Most recently, he appeared in “Happy Gilmore 2” (2025).
Solo Projects and “The Curse”
Benny Safdie co-created, co-wrote, and starred in the critically acclaimed Showtime series “The Curse” (2023) alongside Nathan Fielder. He is also set to make his solo feature directorial debut with “The Smashing Machine,” a film starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as MMA fighter Mark Kerr, which is slated for release in 2025.
Benny Safdie Personal Life & Family
Benny Safdie is married to Ava Safdie (née Rawski). The couple wed in 2013. They have two sons, Cosmo and Murray. Safdie has spoken about raising his children in an interfaith home. He has a strong connection to his Jewish heritage and history. His great-uncle is the renowned architect Moshe Safdie. His first cousin once removed is playwright Oren Safdie, and another first cousin once removed is Dov Charney, the founder of American Apparel.
Awards and Achievements of Benny Safdie
Benny Safdie has received numerous awards and nominations for his work in film. A selection of his notable accolades includes:
- Independent Spirit Awards:
- Winner, John Cassavetes Award for “Daddy Longlegs” (2011)
- Winner, Best Director for “Uncut Gems” (shared with Josh Safdie) (2020)
- Winner, Best Editing for “Uncut Gems” (shared with Ronald Bronstein) (2020)
- Nominee, Best Supporting Male for “Good Time” (2018)
- Nominee, Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series for “The Curse” (2023)
- Cannes Film Festival:
- Nominee, Palme d’Or for “Good Time” (2017)
- Gotham Independent Film Awards:
- Nominee, Best Feature for “Heaven Knows What” (2015)
- Nominee, Best Feature for “Good Time” (2017)
Benny Safdie Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Benny Safdie’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $12 million. His income is derived from his multifaceted career as a director, screenwriter, actor, and producer. The critical and commercial success of films like “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems” has significantly contributed to his wealth, along with lucrative deals and diverse opportunities within the film industry.
Legacy and Influence
The Safdie brothers are recognized for their unique and influential style of filmmaking, often described as “street-level,” “anxiety-inducing,” and intensely realistic. They are known for their use of long lenses, handheld cameras, immersive sound design, and a blend of professional and non-professional actors to create a sense of authenticity and chaos. Their work is heavily influenced by filmmakers like John Cassavetes and a commitment to exploring the gritty, often overlooked aspects of New York City. They have inspired a new generation of filmmakers with their DIY ethos and dedication to character-driven stories. As an individual, Benny Safdie continues to build his legacy through his acclaimed acting roles and his emerging solo directorial work.
Interesting Facts about Benny Safdie
- He and his brother are avid fans of the New York Knicks, and basketball features prominently in their films “Lenny Cooke” and “Uncut Gems.”
- It took ten years for the Safdie brothers to make “Uncut Gems,” which was inspired by their father’s mentor in the New York Diamond District.
- He has said that his role as Herb in “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is one of the closest characters to his real self that he has played.
- He and Nathan Fielder’s show “The Curse” was born from an idea about the lingering fear of being cursed and a shared obsession with HGTV home renovation shows.
- Early in his career, he performed stand-up comedy under different personas.
Controversies
The Safdie brothers’ production company, Elara Pictures, was associated with producer Sebastian Bear-McClard, who faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct in 2023. Benny Safdie publicly condemned the alleged behavior, calling it “disgusting” and stating that once you learn something like that about someone, “you just have to be much more careful.” As of March 2023, Bear-McClard was reportedly in private mediation with the Safdie brothers.
Social Media Presence
Benny Safdie is known to have an Instagram account under the handle @bowedtie, where he has shared personal and professional updates.
Final Words about Benny Safdie
Benny Safdie has established himself as a significant and dynamic force in American cinema. From his influential collaborations with his brother to his burgeoning solo career as both an actor and director, he consistently pushes creative boundaries. With his upcoming directorial feature “The Smashing Machine” and his continued presence in high-profile acting roles, Benny Safdie is poised to further shape the landscape of film with his unique vision and commitment to raw, authentic storytelling. His journey reflects a deep passion for the craft and an unwavering dedication to exploring the complexities of the human experience on screen.
