Biography
American director, screenwriter, and producer Alexander Payne is known for films that blend sardonic humor with deeply human, character-driven storytelling.
A fixture on the awards circuit since the Oscar-winning Sideways, Payne’s work consistently explores quiet emotional truths with wit and restraint, culminating in Nebraska, a Best Picture nominee that stands as a defining example of his voice.
Alongside his feature work, Payne has directed campaigns for Apple, Hotels.com, and Montefiore Hospital, bringing the same intelligence and warmth to short-form storytelling. His most recent film, The Holdovers, premiered at TIFF to widespread acclaim.
In 2025, he served as Chairperson of the Venice Film Festival, further cementing his standing as one of the most respected filmmakers of his generation.
Alongside his feature work, Payne has directed campaigns for Apple, Hotels.com, and Montefiore Hospital, bringing the same intelligence and warmth to short-form storytelling. His most recent film, The Holdovers, premiered at TIFF to widespread acclaim.
In 2025, he served as Chairperson of the Venice Film Festival, further cementing his standing as one of the most respected filmmakers of his generation.
