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).
Filmography
The Odyssey
2026
as Agamemnon
The Odyssey: The Making of an Epic
2026
as Self (archive footage)
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
2026
as Bowser Junior (voice)
Happy Gilmore 2
2025
as Frank Manatee
Oppenheimer
2023
as Edward Teller
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
2023
as Herbert Simon
Stars at Noon
2022
as CIA Man
Licorice Pizza
2021
as Joel Wachs
Pieces of a Woman
2020
as Chris
Money on the Street: The Making of Uncut Gems
2020
as Self
Question & Answer
2020
as Self
Goldman v Silverman
2020
as Al Silverman
Meet the Filmmakers: Josh and Benny Safdie
2017
as Self
Good Time
2017
as Nick Nikas
Person to Person
2017
as Eugene
A Hot Two Weeks: The Making of Heaven Knows What
2015
Solid Gold
2013
as Goldman
Second Stop from Jupiter: The Making of Daddy Longlegs
2011
as Himself
John's Gone
2010
as John
John's Lonely Trip to Coney Island
2008
There's Nothing You Can Do
2008
The Acquaintances of a Lonely John
2008
as John
Yeast
2008
as Riverguy 2
The Story of Charles Riverbank
2008
as Charles Riverbank