Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Barry Jenkins
November 19, 1979
Miami, Florida, US
46 Years Old
Scorpio
Who Is Barry Jenkins?
Barry Jenkins is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer, celebrated for his lyrical visual style and empathetic storytelling. His work often centers on Black characters navigating complex emotional landscapes.
He first rose to widespread public attention with the 2016 drama Moonlight, which earned numerous accolades including the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. Jenkins' films resonate with audiences for their intimate portrayal of human experience.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1979 in Miami, Florida, Barry Jenkins grew up in Liberty City, a neighborhood that deeply influenced his artistic perspective. His mother, a nurse, struggled with crack cocaine addiction, and he was primarily raised by another older woman.
Jenkins attended Miami Northwestern Senior High School, playing football and running track, before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in film production from Florida State University. It was there he honed his craft and developed a passion for authentic storytelling.
Notable Relationships
Filmmaker Barry Jenkins married fellow director Lulu Wang in December 2024, confirming the news shortly after. The couple had been romantically linked since at least 2018, often supporting each other's work publicly.
They share a unique professional bond, with Jenkins noting the understanding that comes from both being directors. He has no publicly known children.
Career Highlights
Barry Jenkins achieved widespread acclaim with his 2016 film Moonlight, which unexpectedly won the Academy Award for Best Picture and earned him a shared Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. This hauntingly beautiful drama visited its protagonist across three life stages and garnered over $65 million at the box office.
He further expanded his esteemed body of work by directing and executive producing The Underground Railroad, an Amazon Video limited series based on Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Jenkins also made his studio debut in 2024 with Mufasa: The Lion King, a commercial success.
Jenkins has collected a Directors Guild of America Award and a Golden Globe for Best Limited Series, cementing his status as a fixture in modern cinema.
Signature Quote
“I think it’s really important to remind, reinforce people that their lives have value, you know? That their lives have worth.”