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Todd Haynes

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Todd Haynes

Acclaimed filmmaker Todd Haynes began illuminating the independent film world in 1987 with his first feature film Superstar. This set the stage for a career full of bold, powerful, and often controversial choices and subject matters.

His 1998 film Velvet Goldmine, a colorful pop art tribute to glam rock—starring Christian Bale, Ewan McGregor, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Toni Collette- was a break from his more dramatic past. 2002’s Far From Heaven—a 50s-era melodrama starring Julianne Moore and Dennis Quaid—shifted gears yet again and earned four Academy Award nominations. His 2007 feature I’m Not There won widespread acclaim for its unconventional decision to cast seven different actors, including Heath Ledger and Cate Blanchett, to play the role of Bob Dylan, once again upending the conventions of the rock-and-roll ‘biopic.’

Five-part HBO miniseries Mildred Pierce, starring Kate Winslet, Guy Pearce and Evan Rachel Wood, was Todd’s first foray into episodic television and earned him five Emmys.

More recently, Todd directed feature films Carol (2015), starring Cate Blanchett, which was nominated for 6 Academy Awards, the critically acclaimed Wonderstruck (2017) starring Julianne Moore which was nominated for a 2017 Cannes Palm D’or, Dark Waters (2019) starring Mark Ruffalo and his latest The Velvet Underground (2021) which chronicles the life and times of the rock band.

Between writing and directing his narrative projects, Todd has directed spots for brands including Givenchy, Revlon and Heineken.