Sam Levinson

Samuel Levinson (born January 8, 1985) is an American director, producer and screenwriter.[1] He is best known as the creator of the HBO teen drama series Euphoria (2019–present), the American adaptation of the Israeli series, for which he earned a BAFTA TV Award nomination.

For the American humorist, see Sam Levenson.
Sam Levinson
Levinson at the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con
Born
Samuel Levinson

(1985-01-08) January 8, 1985
NationalityAmerican
Occupation
  • Director
  • producer
  • writer
Years active1992–present
Spouse(s)Ashley Lent Levinson
Children1
RelativesBarry Levinson (father)

He is also known for writing and directing the comedy drama film Another Happy Day (2011) and the black comedy thriller film Assassination Nation (2018). He co-wrote the screenplay for the action comedy Operation: Endgame (2010), the television biopic The Wizard of Lies (2017), and Malcolm & Marie (2021).

Early life

Levinson is the son of Diana Rhodes and filmmaker Barry Levinson.[2] He is of Jewish faith. Levinson studied method acting for four years.[3]

Career

Levinson made his film debut as an actor in the 1992 fantasy comedy Toys, alongside his brother Jack. He later appeared in the comedy-drama film Bandits (2001) and the satirical comedy film What Just Happened (2008). In 2009, he co-starred as Peter Thompson in the arthouse drama film Stoic.

In 2011, Levinson won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival[4] for his directorial debut film, Another Happy Day, which starred Ellen Barkin.[2][5]

Levinson co-wrote the 2017 television film The Wizard of Lies, which was directed by his father Barry Levinson. The film focuses on Bernie Madoff, who is played by Robert De Niro.[6]

In 2018, Levinson wrote and directed the film Assassination Nation.[7] The film premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival to mixed reviews from critics, who praised its "frenetic and visually stylish" action but criticized the thinly-written characters.[8][9]

In June 2019, Levinson created the HBO television drama series Euphoria, based on the Israeli series of the same name.[10][11] The series received critical acclaim for its direction, writing, and acting. It was notable for its raw and graphic portrayal of teenagers wrestling with drug addiction and sexuality.[3]

Levinson co-wrote the screenplay for the disaster thriller film Deepwater Horizon, which is set for release in August 2016.[12][13] He also executive produced the drama film Pieces of a Woman.[14]

In 2020, Levinson wrote and directed the film Malcolm & Marie, reuniting him with Euphoria star Zendaya. The film will be distributed by Netflix in February 2021.[15]

Personal life

From 2008 to 2011, Levinson dated the actress Ellen Barkin.[16] Levinson is married to Ashley Lent Levinson. The couple have a son.[3]

Levinson has discussed his struggles with drugs as a teenager and young adult.[17]

Filmography

Film
Year Title
Director Writer Producer or Executive Producer Notes
2010 Operation: Endgame No Yes No Co-wrote with Brian Watanabe
2011 Another Happy Day Yes Yes No Feature directorial debut
2017 The Wizard of Lies No Yes No Co-wrote with Sam Baum and John Burnham Schwartz
2018 Assassination Nation Yes Yes No
2020 Pieces of a Woman No No Yes
2021 Malcolm & Marie Yes Yes Yes
2021 Deep Water No Yes No Co-wrote with Zach Helm

Acting roles
Year Title Role Notes
1992 Toys War Room Player
2001 Bandits Billy Saunders
2008 What Just Happened Carl
2009 Stoic Peter Thompson

Television
Year Title
Director Writer Executive
Producer		 Notes
2019–present Euphoria Yes Yes Yes Creator; 12 episodes

Accolades
Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2011 Sundance Film Festival Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award Another Happy Day Won [18]
Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic Nominated
2018 Writers Guild of America Awards Television: Long Form – Adapted The Wizard of Lies Nominated
Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness Assassination Nation Nominated
2020 British Academy Television Awards Best International Programme Euphoria Nominated

References
  1. Brennan, Matt (June 30, 2019). "'Euphoria' creator Sam Levinson isn't interested in following the rules". Los Angeles Times.
  2. Sragow, Michael (January 31, 2011). "Like father, like son: Sam Levinson wins at Sundance". The Baltimore Sun.
  3. Sandberg, Bryn Elise (June 16, 2019). "'Euphoria' Creator on Boundary-Pushing HBO Drama: "We Didn't Want to Pull Any Punches"". The Hollywood Reporter.
  4. "Meet the 2011 Sundance Filmmakers: "Another Happy Day" Director Sam Levinson". IndieWire. January 14, 2011.
  5. Holden, Stephen (November 17, 2011). "Sam Levinson's 'Another Happy Day' - Review". The New York Times.
  6. Fienberg, Daniel (May 9, 2017). "'The Wizard of Lies': TV Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
  7. Crump, Andy (September 22, 2018). "How 'Assassination Nation' Exploits Privacy Fears". The Hollywood Reporter.
  8. Giles, Jeff (September 20, 2018). "The House with a Clock in Its Walls Ticks Along Tolerably". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  9. Felperin, Leslie (February 9, 2018). "Sundance 2018; 'Assassination Nation': Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
  10. Roxborough, Scott (March 13, 2018). "HBO Puts in Pilot Order for 'Euphoria,' Based on Israeli Format". The Hollywood Reporter.
  11. Goodman, Tim (June 5, 2019). "'Euphoria': TV Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
  12. Fleming, Mike, Jr. (August 1, 2019). "New Regency Bringing Adrian Lyne Back To Directing With 'Deep Water;' Ben Affleck, Ana de Armas In Talks For Patricia Highsmith Adaptation". Deadline Hollywood. Los Angeles, California: Penske Media Corporation.
  13. D'Alessandro, Anthony (September 23, 2020). "'Black Widow' Jumps To Summer 2021 Spurring Marvel Pics Release Date Shift; 'West Side Story' Delayed A Year; 'Soul' Stays Theatrical". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  14. Galuppo, Mia (October 22, 2019). "Shia LaBeouf to Star in Drama 'Pieces of a Woman' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  15. Fleming Jr, Mike (September 13, 2020). "Netflix Closes $30 Million Deal For 'Malcolm & Marie' Off Promo; Sam Levinson Lockdown-Shot Drama Stars Zendaya & John David Washington: Toronto". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  16. Dyball, Rennie (June 2, 2011). "Ellen Barkin Is Dating Sam Levinson". People.
  17. Chuba, Kirsten (June 5, 2019). "'Euphoria' Creator on Authentic Trans Portrayals, Mining "Deeply Personal" History to Tackle Teen Drug Abuse". The Hollywood Reporter.
  18. "Sam Levinson – Awards – IMDb". Retrieved June 15, 2020.
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