Who Is Benny Safdie?
Benny Safdie is an acclaimed American filmmaker, actor, and screenwriter, best known for his collaborative work with his older brother Josh Safdie. Together, they form the Safdie Brothers, a dynamic creative duo responsible for films like Good Time and Uncut Gems, which have gained critical acclaim for their tense, fast-paced narratives and gritty realism. Benny is also establishing himself as a strong solo actor, with roles in films like Licorice Pizza and Oppenheimer.
Benny Safdie Biography
Born and raised in New York City, Benny Safdie grew up in a multicultural Jewish family with artistic roots. His filmmaking journey began in his youth, inspired by his father’s love for movies and his own exposure to New York’s cinematic culture. Benny’s directing style is heavily influenced by urban chaos, moral complexity, and human vulnerability. Beyond directing and writing, his acting career has flourished in recent years, showcasing his versatility on screen.
Benny Safdie Eduation
Safdie got his primary education in Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in Manhattan, an elite school that addresses the needs of advanced pupils who have a creative mind. He later proceeded to Boston University, College of Communication, where he did film and television and graduated in 2008. Education was of great help in perfecting his technical abilities as well as familiarizing him with the mechanics of storytelling, editing and production.
Benny Safdie Age
Born on February 24, 1986, Benny is currently 39 years old as of 2025. Despite being under 40, his impact on independent film and Hollywood is substantial, with several iconic projects under his belt.
Benny Safdie Education
To expand on his academic background:
- High School: Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, NYC
- University: Boston University, College of Communication His formal education laid the foundation for his cinematic craft, but his unique voice as a filmmaker was shaped equally by his personal experiences growing up in New York City.
Benny Safdie Net Worth
As of 2025, Benny Safdie’s estimated net worth is between $2–3 million USD. His wealth stems from his roles as a director, writer, editor, and actor. His earnings have been boosted by the success of films like Uncut Gems, endorsements, acting gigs, and screenwriting collaborations with major studios.
Benny Safdie Ethnicity
Safdie is of Jewish descent:
- Sephardic and Syrian Jewish on his father’s side
- Ashkenazi Jewish (Russian-Jewish) on his mother’s side This diverse heritage has subtly influenced the emotional depth and cultural authenticity found in his films.
Benny Safdie Instagram
His official Instagram handle is , where he shares glimpses of his personal life, behind-the-scenes moments from film sets, tributes to fellow artists, and some offbeat humor. He maintains a low-key online presence compared to other celebrities, but his content reveals a thoughtful and creative personality.
Benny Safdie Wife
Safdie has been married to Ava Safdie (née Rawski) since August 10, 2013. Ava is a supportive partner who occasionally appears in public events with Benny but tends to stay out of the limelight. Their relationship has been described as solid and grounded, and they’ve built a quiet family life away from Hollywood buzz.
Benny Safdie Children
He’s known to be a devoted father, occasionally sharing glimpses of family life on social media. Despite his rising fame, Benny keeps his children out of the spotlight, choosing a more private approach to parenting.
Benny and Ava Safdie are proud parents to two sons:
- Cosmo Safdie, born January 30, 2016
- Murray James Safdie, born May 2019 He occasionally shares family-oriented content, showing that fatherhood is a cherished part of his life.
Benny Safdie Brother
His brother Josh Safdie is both a personal and professional partner. Together, they’ve created some of the most arresting modern films in American cinema. Their collaboration is central to Benny’s career, and the synergy between their talents is part of what sets the Safdie Brothers apart from other filmmaking duos.
Benny Safdie Height
Benny stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). While not particularly tall, his screen presence looms large—thanks to his intense gaze, emotive performances, and magnetic storytelling.
Benny Safdie Birthday
He celebrates his birthday on February 24th. As a Pisces, Benny’s traits—sensitivity, creativity, and emotional intuition—shine through both his directing and acting work.
Benny Safdie Parents
Benny’s father is Alberto Safdie, and his mother is Amy Safdie. His parents divorced when Benny was young, and much of his childhood was shaped by growing up in a dual-household situation. Interestingly, architect Moshe Safdie is his great-uncle, and playwright Oren Safdie is his cousin—creativity clearly runs in the family.
Benny Safdie Dating
There is no public dating history beyond his marriage to Ava Safdie. Benny has kept his romantic life private, focusing instead on his professional and family endeavors.
Benny Safdie Birth Sign
Safdie is a Pisces, a water sign associated with artistry, empathy, and intuition. These traits reflect his cinematic sensibilities—his films often explore psychological depth and emotional nuance.
Benny Safdie Family
Safdie comes from a richly creative and intellectual family. In addition to his brother Josh, his extended family includes notable figures in architecture and theater. His upbringing in this environment encouraged his artistic inclinations and shaped the layered, bold style he brings to every film.
Benny Safdie Movies
films featuring Benny Safdie, either as an actor, director, or writer:
| Title | Year | Role | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daddy Longlegs | 2009 | Writer, Director | Josh & Benny Safdie |
| Heaven Knows What | 2014 | Director, Editor | Josh & Benny Safdie |
| Good Time | 2017 | Actor (Nick Nikas) | Josh & Benny Safdie |
| Uncut Gems | 2019 | Writer, Director | Josh & Benny Safdie |
| Licorice Pizza | 2021 | Actor (Joel Wachs) | Paul Thomas Anderson |
| Stars at Noon | 2022 | Actor (CIA Man) | Claire Denis |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi (TV Mini-Series) | 2022 | Actor (Nari) | Deborah Chow |
| Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. | 2023 | Actor (Herb Simon) | Kelly Fremon Craig |
| Oppenheimer | 2023 | Actor (Edward Teller) | Christopher Nolan |
| The Curse (TV Series) | 2023–2024 | Actor, Co-creator | Nathan Fielder & Benny Safdie |
| Happy Gilmore 2 | 2025 | Actor (Frank Manatee) | Kyle Newacheck |
| The Smashing Machine | 2025 | Writer, Director | Benny Safdie |
| The Odyssey | 2026 | Actor (TBA) | Christopher Nolan |