Bennett Miller

Bennett Miller is an Academy Award–nominated filmmaker and visual artist whose work reflects a deep intellectual curiosity and commitment to authenticity. Known for his quietly exacting direction, Miller brings a visual austerity and emotionality to everything he creates—films and images that feel acutely observed and psychologically immersive.

After dropping out of NYU and resisting traditional filmmaking routes, Miller made his debut with The Cruise, a documentary portrait of eccentric NYC tour guide Timothy “Speed” Levitch. Shot solo on MiniDV without a crew, the film was a groundbreaking work of independent cinema—winning top honors at international festivals and becoming the first digitally shot doc to receive theatrical distribution.

Miller’s first narrative feature, Capote, followed the famed writer’s immersion into the Kansas murder case that inspired In Cold Blood. The film earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Director and Best Picture, with Philip Seymour Hoffman winning Best Actor. He followed with Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, which received six Academy Award nominations, and Foxcatcher, starring Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo. Foxcatcher earned Miller the Best Director award at Cannes and another Oscar nomination, solidifying his reputation for restrained yet deeply expressive storytelling.

In 2023, Miller exhibited a series of sepia-toned pigment prints at Gagosian’s Madison Avenue gallery in New York. Created with early access to OpenAI’s DALL·E, the images draw on historical photographic traditions while introducing subtle disruptions that question the boundaries between past and present, perception and reality. The work emerged from a five-year research process while filming a still-unreleased documentary on the cultural implications of AI. The project includes conversations with thought leaders such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and playwright Tom Stoppard, bridging emerging technology with philosophical and artistic inquiry.

Alongside his film and art practice, Miller has directed award-winning campaigns for global brands. His observational wit shaped Mastercard’s iconic “Priceless” campaign, while his American Express spots, including one with Diane von Furstenberg, highlight his talent for intimate, character-driven storytelling. Commercial work for Droga5’s Quilted Northern and music videos for Bob Dylan and Scarlett Johansson further reflect his dynamic range and unerring sense of tone.