Benjamin “Benny” Safdie (born February 24, 1986) is an American filmmaker, actor, and writer whose bold, kinetic storytelling has redefined contemporary independent cinema. Known for his raw realism and intense emotional depth, he first rose to prominence through his collaborations with his brother Josh Safdie, crafting chaotic yet deeply human narratives that have influenced a generation of filmmakers.
Best recognized for Heaven Knows What, Good Time, and Uncut Gems, Benny’s filmmaking explores obsession, morality, and chaos through a uniquely immersive lens. Beyond directing, he’s gained acclaim as an actor, appearing in Oppenheimer and co-creating the hit series The Curse. His evolving career bridges gritty indie roots with global cinematic appeal.
Quick Facts of Benny Safdie
| Full Name | Benjamin “Benny” Safdie |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Columbia Grammar & Prep; Boston University (BS, 2008) |
| Occupation | Filmmaker, Actor, Writer, Editor |
| Notable Works | Good Time, Uncut Gems, The Curse, The Smashing Machine |
| Spouse | Ava Rawski (m. 2013) |
| Children | Two sons (Cosmo and Murray) |
| Net Worth | Estimated US $12 million (2024) |
| Brother | Josh Safdie |
| Company | Co-founder of Elara Pictures |
From Chaotic New York Roots to Cinematic Breakthroughs
Born in New York City to Amy and Alberto Safdie, Benny’s upbringing in a post-divorce household split between Queens and Manhattan helped shape his artistic voice. Drawing from his Syrian-Jewish heritage and the pulse of New York street life, he built a filmmaking style rooted in tension, realism, and emotional honesty.
He began experimenting with film at Columbia Grammar & Prep and later earned his degree from Boston University’s College of Communication. With Josh, he co-directed Daddy Longlegs (2009), a semi-autobiographical story that premiered at Cannes and marked the start of the Safdies’ kinetic, vérité filmmaking journey.
Breakthrough and Rise to Indie Stardom
Following their acclaimed documentary Lenny Cooke (2013), the Safdies gained international recognition with Heaven Knows What (2014) and Good Time (2017), the latter starring Robert Pattinson in a performance that elevated both actor and directors into critical acclaim. Benny’s supporting role in the film earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Their 2019 masterpiece Uncut Gems, starring Adam Sandler, became one of A24’s highest-grossing hits and solidified the Safdies’ reputation for fearless, anxiety-inducing storytelling.
Venturing Beyond: Acting, Television, and Solo Directing
Benny’s acting prowess came to light with his performance in Oppenheimer (2023). He then co-created and starred in Showtime’s The Curse alongside Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone — a dark satire blending humor and social critique.
In 2025, Safdie’s solo directorial project The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr, is set to premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival — a pivotal moment in his evolution from indie filmmaker to mainstream auteur.
Personal Life and Private Balance
Married to film producer Ava Rawski since 2013, Benny is a devoted husband and father to two sons, Cosmo and Murray. Despite his Hollywood success, he keeps a low profile, occasionally sharing glimpses of family life on social media while maintaining a grounded, authentic persona.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
With an estimated net worth of around US $12 million, Benny’s income stems from directing, acting, and producing under his banner Elara Pictures. His projects with A24 — including Good Time, Uncut Gems, and Funny Pages — continue to yield both critical and commercial returns, cementing his place as one of modern cinema’s most valuable creative voices.
Legacy: A Visionary of Modern Storytelling
From the chaos of New York streets to the red carpets of Venice, Benny Safdie has forged a path of creative defiance. His storytelling thrives on tension, humanity, and unpredictability — a reflection of life itself. Whether through directing, acting, or producing, Safdie remains one of the most dynamic and influential artists shaping the future of film.
