Summary (tl;dr)

Filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, known as the Safdie Brothers, are trending following a recent report revealing a controversial incident on the set of their 2017 film "Good Time" that led to their directorial split in 2023. Concurrently, both brothers are gaining significant attention for their highly anticipated individual projects, particularly Josh Safdie's solo directorial debut "Marty Supreme," which is receiving Oscar buzz.

Essential Background

The Safdie Brothers rose to prominence with their distinct style of intense, anxiety-inducing urban thrillers, including "Good Time" (2017) and the critically acclaimed "Uncut Gems" (2019). For years, speculation surrounded the reasons for their decision to pursue separate directing careers, a split that became official in 2023. This separation led to the shelving of a planned baseball-themed movie starring Adam Sandler and Ben Affleck.

The Full Story

A recent report published on January 26, 2026, by Page Six, has brought the Safdie Brothers back into the spotlight by detailing the alleged catalyst for their split: a controversial incident during the 2017 production of "Good Time." The report claims that during filming in New York, a 17-year-old actress cast to portray a prostitute was allegedly exposed to inappropriate behavior by non-actor Buddy Duress, who was reportedly under the influence. Josh Safdie, as lead director, reportedly learned of the actress's age only after the scene, leading to her trauma and a subsequent rift between the brothers, with Benny Safdie cutting ties in 2023 after learning the full scope of the event.

Adding to the buzz, both brothers have since embarked on successful solo careers. Josh Safdie's first solo directorial feature, "Marty Supreme," released on Christmas Day 2025, is generating significant awards season traction, with its star Timothée Chalamet winning a Golden Globe and the film receiving nine Oscar nominations. "Marty Supreme," a sports film set in 1950s New York, is noted as A24's most expensive film to date. Josh Safdie is also executive producing an HBO Original late-night series, "Neighbors," premiering in February 2026. Meanwhile, Benny Safdie directed the 2025 film "The Smashing Machine" starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and has taken on acting roles, including voicing Bowser Jr. in "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" (April 2026) and appearing in Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" (July 2026). The simultaneous success and awards consideration for both brothers' independent projects are contributing to a narrative dubbed "Safdie Season."

Why It Matters

The trending nature of Josh Safdie and the Safdie Brothers reflects a confluence of factors: the public's enduring fascination with the behind-the-scenes drama of Hollywood, the critical and commercial success of their individual directorial efforts, and the awards season buzz surrounding their new films. The alleged "Good Time" incident raises important questions about set safety, the protection of minors in the industry, and directorial responsibility, potentially impacting industry standards and public perception of the filmmakers. Concurrently, the brothers' independent projects are being closely watched as they navigate solo careers after a highly successful collaboration, demonstrating their individual artistic visions and impact on contemporary cinema.

Geographic Location

• New York, New York, United States (Filming location of "Good Time" where controversial incident occurred, setting of "Marty Supreme", screening of "Marty Supreme" at New York Film Festival)