Joshua Henry Safdie (born April 3, 1984) is an American filmmaker and screenwriter, best known for his collaborative work with his younger brother Benny Safdie as part of the acclaimed directing duo, the Safdie Brothers. Together, they rose to prominence with gritty, kinetic crime thrillers such as Good Time (2017) and Uncut Gems (2019), the latter starring Adam Sandler and receiving widespread critical acclaim. In 2024, it was announced that the Safdie brothers would part ways professionally, with each pursuing individual directing careers. Joshua’s first solo feature, Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, is set for release on December 25, 2025.
Born in New York City to Amy and Alberto Safdie, Joshua grew up moving between two boroughs after his parents’ divorce—living with his father in Queens and his mother and stepfather in Manhattan. He attended Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School and later graduated from Boston University’s College of Communication in 2007, where he honed his passion for filmmaking and storytelling.
Joshua Safdie has often incorporated his personal interests and urban upbringing into his films. A lifelong fan of basketball and the New York Knicks, the sport plays a central thematic role in his documentary Lenny Cooke and the narrative arc of Uncut Gems. Known for his intense, realistic cinematic style and deep character studies, Safdie’s solo career is anticipated to bring a fresh yet familiar perspective to contemporary American cinema.
