Benny Safdie: From Gritty Streets To Silver Screens

Benny Safdie is a filmmaker and actor best known as one half of the Safdie Brothers, the directing duo behind critically acclaimed films like Good Time (2017) and Uncut Gems (2019). Alongside his brother Josh, Benny helped pioneer a style of filmmaking defined by frenetic energy, raw emotion, and street-level realism stories that pulse with anxiety and empathy in equal measure. The Safdies earned a reputation for elevating chaotic, high-stakes narratives into cinematic experiences that blur the line between fiction and documentary.

In recent years, Benny has stepped further into the spotlight as an individual talent, expanding his creative range beyond directing. His performances in films like Licorice Pizza (2021), Oppenheimer (2023), and the TV series Obi-Wan Kenobi have drawn praise for their subtlety and nuance, marking him as a compelling screen presence in his own right. As he balances acting roles with new directing projects, Benny Safdie continues to evolve — not just as a filmmaker, but as a multifaceted artist with a singular vision.

Nativity And Early Life Of Benny Safdie

Benny Safdie was born on February 24, 1986, in New York City to Amy and Alberto Safdie. He raised between his father’s home in Queens and his mother’s in Manhattan after their divorce, Benny grew up immersed in diverse NYC cultures. He is of Syrian Jewish and Russian Jewish descent. Benny attended Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School and later graduated from Boston University’s College of Communication in 2008. During college, he co-founded the creative collective Red Bucket Films with his brother Josh, which launched their filmmaking careers. This early environment and education profoundly influenced his raw, intense style, as seen in his later films.

Benny Safdie’s Movies And TV Shows

Benny Safdie has been involved in a wide range of movies and TV shows, both as a filmmaker and as an actor. As a director, he has co-created acclaimed films like Daddy Longlegs (2009), Heaven Knows What (2014), Good Time (2017), and Uncut Gems (2019), and more recently co-developed the TV series The Curse (2023–2024). As an actor, he has appeared in films such as Good Time, Pieces of a Woman (2020), Licorice Pizza (2021), and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023), and Oppenheimer (2023), where he played physicist Edward Teller. On television, he played a Jedi named Nari in Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) and took on a leading role in The Curse, showcasing his talent across both indie and mainstream productions.

Benny Safdie’s Net Worth

According to People AI estimates from July 2025, Benny Safdie’s net worth stands around $8.3 million, reflecting steady growth from approximately $7.5 million in 2024 and $6.65 million in 2023. This perspective contrasts with earlier reports, such as those from 2024, which estimated his net worth closer to $12 million or around $3 million per some sources. These discrepancies highlight the challenges of accurately measuring wealth derived from independent filmmaking, acting, producing, and creative ventures.