Benny Safdie has steadily carved his name into the world of cinema as one of the most innovative storytellers of his generation. Known for his collaborative work with his brother Josh Safdie, he has helped create films that merge raw emotion, gritty realism, and unforgettable characters. Beyond directing, Benny Safdie has also stepped in front of the camera, building a reputation as a talented actor. His story is more than just about film—it is about family, heritage, and balancing creativity with personal life.
Benny Safdie Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin “Benny” Safdie |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1986 |
| Age | 39 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | New York City, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6′1″ (1.85 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 78 kg (172 lbs) |
| Parents | Amy Safdie (mother), Alberto Safdie (father) |
| Siblings | Josh Safdie (brother, filmmaker) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Ava Safdie (m. 2013) |
| Children | Two sons – Cosmo and Murray |
| Education | Boston University, College of Communication (2008) |
| Profession | Filmmaker, Actor, Producer, Writer |
| Notable Works | Daddy Longlegs (2009), Good Time (2017), Uncut Gems (2019), Licorice Pizza (2021), Oppenheimer (2023) |
| Upcoming Project | The Smashing Machine (2025, solo directorial debut) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $12 million (2025) |
| Ethnicity | Jewish (Russian-Jewish, Sephardic, Syrian heritage) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @bowedtie |
Early Life and Background
Benny Safdie was born on February 24, 1986, in New York City, making him 39 years old as of 2025. He grew up surrounded by the bustling energy of Manhattan, where the rhythms of the city would later influence his approach to filmmaking. His childhood was split between two households. Safdie lived part of the time with his father, Alberto Safdie, in Queens, and part of the time with his mother, Amy Safdie, and stepfather on the Upper West Side.
His parents came from diverse Jewish backgrounds. His mother was of Russian-Jewish descent, while his father had Sephardic and Syrian Jewish roots. This multicultural upbringing provided him with a deep sense of identity and heritage. Benny also grew up with his older brother, Josh Safdie, who would become not only his sibling but also his closest collaborator in the film industry.
Education and Early Influences
Safdie attended Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in Manhattan, where his love for creativity started to shine. Later, he pursued higher education at Boston University College of Communication, graduating in 2008. It was here that his interest in visual storytelling deepened, influenced by both his studies and the world around him.
While growing up in New York, Safdie was inspired by the people, the chaos, and the authenticity of city life. He has often described how the streets of New York acted as a classroom for observing human behavior, an element that later shaped the distinctive style of his films.
Physical Appearance
Standing tall at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m), Benny Safdie carries a gentle presence, often complemented by his thick glasses and casual, understated fashion. He is not the kind of filmmaker who relies on glamor or flashiness; instead, his approachable and relatable look resonates with his personality. His style is often described as “dadcore,” favoring striped T-shirts, jeans, and sandals, reflecting a down-to-earth lifestyle.
Career Beginnings
Benny’s filmmaking career began in earnest in the early 2000s when he and his brother Josh started creating short films and experimenting with raw, observational cinema. Their first notable collaboration came with the feature film “Daddy Longlegs” (2009), a deeply personal story inspired by their own experiences growing up with divorced parents. The film was critically praised and showcased their ability to merge realism with compelling narratives.
They followed up with “Heaven Knows What” (2014), a film based on the real-life memoir of a young woman struggling with addiction. Shot with non-professional actors and on the streets of New York, it reinforced their reputation as directors who blurred the lines between fiction and reality.
Breakthrough with Good Time and Uncut Gems
The Safdie brothers’ major breakthrough came with “Good Time” (2017), starring Robert Pattinson. The fast-paced, anxiety-inducing thriller drew widespread acclaim for its intensity and unflinching depiction of desperation. The film premiered at Cannes Film Festival and established the brothers as rising stars in independent cinema.
Their next project, “Uncut Gems” (2019), starring Adam Sandler, took their success to an entirely new level. The film was both a critical and commercial hit, with Sandler delivering one of his most acclaimed performances. Uncut Gems was praised for its relentless tension, gritty aesthetic, and immersive storytelling—a hallmark of the Safdie style.
Stepping into Acting
While Benny Safdie made his name as a director, he also built a reputation as a talented actor. His most notable role came in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza” (2021), where he portrayed Joel Wachs, a Los Angeles politician. The performance revealed a softer, nuanced side of his craft.
He continued acting in films such as “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (2023) and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” (2023). In addition to films, Safdie co-created and starred alongside Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone in the Showtime series “The Curse” (2023), a dark comedy exploring relationships and morality.
Solo Directorial Journey
Although the Safdie brothers were once inseparable as collaborators, they amicably chose to explore individual projects after Uncut Gems. Benny Safdie made his solo directorial debut with “The Smashing Machine” (2025), a sports biographical drama starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. The film, set to release in October 2025, is already attracting attention as a bold new step in his career.
Personal Life and Family
Benny Safdie married Ava Rawski in 2013, who became Ava Safdie after their union. Together, they have two sons: Cosmo and Murray, who are still quite young. Despite his growing fame, Benny is known to keep his family life private, preferring to shield his children from the public spotlight.
Family is a recurring theme in his work. Many of his films reflect personal experiences of growing up with divorced parents, sibling bonds, and complicated family dynamics. It is clear that Benny draws deeply from his own life when creating stories that resonate with audiences.
Lifestyle and Public Image
Though successful, Safdie is not someone who flaunts his wealth or indulges in a flashy lifestyle. Instead, he is often described as approachable and modest. He continues to live in New York City, where he balances his time between work, family, and creative pursuits.
His lifestyle reflects his artistic philosophy: authentic, grounded, and people-centered. Friends and collaborators often describe him as warm, thoughtful, and intensely curious about the world around him.
Net Worth and Achievements
As of 2025, Benny Safdie’s net worth is estimated at around $12 million. Much of this comes from his successful films as both director and actor, as well as future projects already in development.
While awards and financial success are part of his story, Benny is more celebrated for his impact on contemporary cinema. His work, particularly with his brother, has influenced a generation of filmmakers interested in authenticity and high-stakes storytelling.
Social Media Presence
Unlike many celebrities, Safdie does not maintain a heavy online presence. However, he does share glimpses of his life and work on Instagram under the handle @bowedtie. His posts often highlight behind-the-scenes looks at projects, personal snapshots, and moments with collaborators. Fans appreciate his understated presence, which feels genuine rather than overly curated.
Final Thoughts
Benny Safdie’s biography is a testament to the power of collaboration, authenticity, and vision. From his early days in New York City to the international success of Uncut Gems and beyond, he has consistently pushed boundaries in cinema. His ability to blur the line between reality and fiction, along with his growing reputation as a capable actor, ensures that he will remain a significant figure in film for years to come.
More than just a filmmaker, Safdie is a husband, father, and storyteller whose work reflects the complexities of life itself. His career is proof that staying true to one’s roots and experiences can lead to timeless stories that resonate across cultures.
FAQs
Q1. How old is Benny Safdie?
Benny Safdie was born on February 24, 1986, which makes him 39 years old as of 2025.
Q2. How tall is Benny Safdie?
He stands at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall.
Q3. Who is Benny Safdie’s brother?
His brother is Josh Safdie, with whom he co-directed films like Good Time and Uncut Gems.
Q4. Is Benny Safdie married?
Yes, he is married to Ava Safdie (née Rawski) since 2013.
Q5. Does Benny Safdie have children?
He has two sons, named Cosmo and Murray.
Q6. What is Benny Safdie’s net worth?
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $12 million.
