Career Timeline of Benny Safdie: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 17, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Benny Safdie made an impact.

Benny Safdie is a prominent American filmmaker and actor, best known for his collaborative work with his brother, Josh Safdie. Together, they directed critically acclaimed, high-tension films such as Good Time and Uncut Gems, noted for their gritty, kinetic style. Beyond his directorial work, Benny has established a significant career as a character actor, delivering memorable performances in major projects like Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, and the television series The Curse, which he also co-created. His transition from indie cinema auteur to a sought-after actor highlights his versatility and deep understanding of cinematic craft, solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted creative force in contemporary Hollywood.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2008: Graduation from Boston University

In 2008, Benny Safdie successfully completed his higher education and graduated from the Boston University College of Communication.

2009: Release of Daddy Longlegs

In 2009, the Safdie brothers released their first feature film titled Daddy Longlegs, for which they also handled the screenplay and editing duties. The film earned recognition by being showcased in the Directors' Fortnight at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.

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2013: Debut of Lenny Cooke

During 2013, the brothers debuted their documentary film Lenny Cooke at the Tribeca Film Festival. The project began after the subject, Lenny Cooke, approached the pair to review existing footage.

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2014: Release of Heaven Knows What

In 2014, Benny Safdie collaborated with his brother Josh Safdie to release the film Heaven Knows What.

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February 2016: Production of Good Time

In February 2016, the Safdie brothers began filming their crime thriller Good Time in New York City, featuring Benny Safdie acting alongside Robert Pattinson.

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2017: Release of Good Time

Benny Safdie directed and starred in the film Good Time, which was released in 2017.

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2017: Acting Debut in Person to Person

In 2017, Benny Safdie expanded his professional portfolio by taking on an acting role in the film Person to Person, marking a departure from acting solely in projects directed by himself or his brother Josh.

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2017: Good Time Premiere and Award Nomination

The film Good Time premiered at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, where it was a contender for the Palme d'Or. Additionally, Benny Safdie received a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his work on the film.

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2019: Release of Uncut Gems

The film Uncut Gems, a collaboration between Benny and Josh Safdie, was released in 2019.

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2020: Appearance in Pieces of a Woman

During 2020, Benny Safdie continued his acting career by securing a role in the drama film Pieces of a Woman.

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2021: Role in Licorice Pizza

In 2021, Benny Safdie appeared in the film Licorice Pizza, marking a notable addition to his acting career.

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2022: Acting Roles in Stars at Noon and Obi-Wan Kenobi

In 2022, Benny Safdie expanded his acting portfolio by appearing in the romantic thriller film Stars at Noon, directed by Claire Denis, and by playing the character Nari in the Disney+ miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi.

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November 2023: Premiere of The Curse

In November 2023, the television series The Curse, co-created by Benny Safdie and Nathan Fielder, officially premiered on Showtime. The show, which featured both creators in starring roles, garnered significant critical acclaim, eventually earning Safdie a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series.

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2023: Appearances in Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret and Oppenheimer

During 2023, Benny Safdie expanded his filmography by starring in two major productions: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret and the biographical drama Oppenheimer.

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2023: Release of The Curse

In 2023, Benny Safdie co-created, wrote, and acted in the satirical television series titled The Curse alongside comedian Nathan Fielder.

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October 2025: Theatrical Release of The Smashing Machine

In October 2025, the MMA-themed film The Smashing Machine, which marked Benny Safdie's first solo directorial and writing project, was released in theaters by A24. This film, which features Dwayne Johnson as fighter Mark Kerr, also earned Safdie the Silver Lion for Best Direction at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

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2025: Role in Happy Gilmore 2

In 2025, Benny Safdie continued his acting career by starring in the comedy sequel Happy Gilmore 2.

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2025: Appearance in Happy Gilmore 2 and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

In 2025, Benny Safdie expanded his filmography by appearing in the comedy sequel Happy Gilmore 2 and providing the voice for the character Bowser Jr. in the animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

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2025: The Smashing Machine Directorial Debut and Award Win

In 2025, Benny Safdie made his solo directorial debut with the film The Smashing Machine and earned the Silver Lion award at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

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2026: Reunion with Nolan for The Odyssey

In 2026, Benny Safdie is scheduled to collaborate once again with director Christopher Nolan on the upcoming film project titled The Odyssey.

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2026: Voice and Acting Roles in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and The Odyssey

Throughout 2026, Benny Safdie took on the voice role of Bowser Jr. in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and performed as Agamemnon in the production of The Odyssey.

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