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Sam Mendes

Birth Place: ENGLAND

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BIO

Sam Mendes founded and ran the Donmar Warehouse in London for ten years. He was the founding director of The Bridge Project and Neal Street Productions.



His work has been seen at the National Theatre, RSC, Royal Court, Old Vic, Young Vic, BAM, the West End and on Broadway. Films include American Beauty, Road to Perdition, Jarhead, Revolutionary Road, Away We Go, Skyfall, Spectre, and 1917.

Awards include Academy Award Best Director, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award Best Director, 2 Tony Awards, 5 Olivier Awards, the Olivier Special Award, 3 Evening Standard Awards, Empire Inspiration Award, Directors Guild of America Award and the Shakespeare Prize.
He has also won the Director's Guild Award for lifetime achievement. In addition to The Ferryman, his production of The Lehman Trilogy is currently running at the National Theatre in London.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
 
[West End, 2024]
Director
 
[West End, 2023]
Director
 
[West End, 2023]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[West End, 2018]
Director
 
[West End, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2017]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2016]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
 
[West End, 2013]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[New York, 1999]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[West End, 1997]
Director
 
[West End, 1995]
Director
 
[West End, 1994]
Director
 
[West End, 1993]
Director
 
[West End, 1992]
Director

Movies

Little Voice
[ 1998 ] director
Road to Perdition
[ 2002 ] producer
Things We Lost in the Fire
[ 2007 ] producer
Revolutionary Road
[ 2008 ] producer
Shrek the Musical
[ 2013 ] producer
1917
[ 2019 ] writer
Empire of Light
[ 2022 ] producer
The End
[ 2024 ] executive producer

TV Shows

The Franchise
executive producer
Informant: Angst über der Stadt
producer

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Direction of a Play

Sam Mendes, The Lehman Trilogy

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Sam Mendes, The Lehman Trilogy


winner
Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Direction of a Play

Sam Mendes, The Lehman Trilogy


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Sam Mendes, The Ferryman


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Sam Mendes, The Ferryman


winner
Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Direction of a Play

Sam Mendes, The Ferryman


winner
Olivier Awards - 2018 - Best Director

Sam Mendes , The Ferryman

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Sam MendesRichard III

Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Musical Revival

Sam MendesLionel Bart’s Oliver!


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director - Play

Sam Mendes, Uncle Vanya


winner
Olivier Awards - 2003 - Best Director

Sam MendesTwelfth Night


winner
Olivier Awards - 2003 - Best Director

Sam MendesUncle Vanya


winner
Olivier Awards - 2003 - The Society's Special Award

Sam Mendes

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Sam Mendes, Gypsy


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director - Play

Sam Mendes, Twelfth Night


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2002 - Best Director

Sam MendesUncle Vanya


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2002 - Best Director

Sam MendesTwelfth Night

Olivier Awards - 1999 - Best Director

Sam MendesThe Blue Room


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Sam Mendes, Cabaret

Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Sam Mendes, Cabaret

Olivier Awards - 1998 - Best Director

Sam MendesOthello

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Director - Musical

Sam Mendes, Cabaret

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Direction of a Musical

Sam Mendes, Cabaret


winner
Olivier Awards - 1996 - Best Director

Sam MendesCompany

Olivier Awards - 1995 - Best Director of a Musical

Sam Mendes, Oliver!

Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Director of a Musical

Sam Mendes, Cabaret

Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Director of a Musical

Sam Mendes, Assassins

Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Director of a Play

Sam MendesThe Rise And Fall Of Little Voice

Videos

News


INSIDE OUT 2, THE BRUTALIST And More Win The Society of Composers and Lyricists Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 14, 2025

The Society of Composers and Lyricists has announced the winners of the 6th Annual SCL Awards held Feb.12 in Los Angeles. The event was hosted by GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Colin Hay.
Photos: ROAD SHOW In Rehearsal At freeFALL
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2025

See photos from inside rehearsal for Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s much-traveled musical Road Show, directed by freeFall Artistic Director Eric Davis. The show is the fifth Sondheim musical produced by the company.
Cast Set For FreeFall's Production of Sondheim and Weidman's ROAD SHOW
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025

Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s much-traveled musical Road Show is directed by freeFall Artistic Director Eric Davis and is the fifth Sondheim musical produced by the company.
Cassie Bradley and Barney White Join ONE DAY WHEN WE WERE YOUNG at the Park Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 17, 2025

Cassie Bradley and Barney White have been announced as the cast of Nick Payne’s One Day When We Were Young, presented by Greenwich Theatre in association with Park Theatre. 
PRIMA FACIE, MACBETH, And More National Theatre Live Screenings Announced At Shakespeare Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 10, 2025

Shakespeare Theatre Company has announced National Theatre Live screenings coming to Harman Hall this February. Kicking off the month of screenings is The Donmar Warehouse production of Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo.
The Best Reviewed Broadway Shows of 2024
by Sidney Paterra - Jan 4, 2025

44 Broadway shows opened in 2024, and while not all of them were loved by the critics, there were plenty of standouts all year long. We're breaking down the best Broadway shows of 2024 by month.
A History of GYPSY's Mama Rose and the Women Who Have Played Her
by Stephi Wild - Dec 29, 2024

Gypsy is back on Broadway, starring Audra McDonald in the iconic role of Mama Rose. BroadwayWorld is looking back on some of the performers who have taken on the musical's lead role, from Ethel Merman to Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, and more.
Last Chance To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 27, 2024

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA Concludes Broadway Run Today
by Sidney Paterra - Dec 22, 2024

Broadway says goodbye to The Hills of California, which concludes its limited run at the Broadhurst Theatre following 18 previews and 97 regular performances. The venue will soon be home to Boop! The Betty Boop Musical.
Mia Khan and Kyle Ndukuba Will Lead ROMEO AND JULIET at The Belgrade Theatre Coventry
by Stephi Wild - Dec 19, 2024

Initial casting has been announced for the 2025 world premiere of ROMEO AND JULIET, an innovative new version of Shakespeare's play, originally scored with rap and R&B, opening at the Belgrade Theatre.
The Society Of Composers & Lyricists Reveals Nominations For The 2025 SCL Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2024

The Society of Composers & Lyricists has revealed the nominations for the 2025 Annual SCL Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation in music for visual media. Learn more!
Vote For The 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards; BURLESQUE Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 16, 2024

Voting continues for the 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favourite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Video: Brian d'Arcy James Performs With Daughter, Grace
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2024

Broadway veteran Brian d'Arcy James was recently joined on stage by his daughter, Grace,  at his concert at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. Check out the video here!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW UK / West End Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 10, 2024

Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favourite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Video: Watch Brian d'Arcy James Sing 'I Miss the Mountains' From NEXT TO NORMAL at MISCAST
by Michael Major - Dec 2, 2024

Watch Brian d'Arcy James sing 'I Miss the Mountains' from Next to Normal at MCC Theater's MISCAST24. Brian d'Arcy James created the role of Dan Goodman in the original Off-Broadway production of Next to Normal. Watch the video!
20th Annual Fred Ebb Award To Be Presented Tonight at The Todd Haimes Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2024

The Fred Ebb Foundation in association with the Roundabout Theatre Company will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more!
Broadway Buying Guide: December 2, 2024- HELL'S KITCHEN, REDWOOD Get a Parade Boost
by Team BWW - Dec 2, 2024

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 2, 2024.
Andrew Barth Feldman Joins Joanna Gleason in Joshua Harmon's WE HAD A WORLD
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2024

Manhattan Theatre Club has just announced additional casting for its 2025 Off-Broadway season, including Andrew Barth Feldman in the premiere of We Had a World. Check out who else has joined the upcoming season here.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ian McKellen and More Named to Evening Standard's 'The Standard 100' List
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2024

Several West End and theatrical-adjacent figures showed up on this year's list, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, James Graham, Sonia Friedman, Tom Holland, Sir Ian McKellen and more!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Sam Mendes been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Play (Drama League Awards) for The Lehman Trilogy, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lehman Trilogy, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Lehman Trilogy, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Ferryman, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Ferryman, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Ferryman, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The Ferryman, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Richard III, Best Musical Revival (Olivier Awards) for Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Twelfth Night, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Uncle Vanya, The Society's Special Award (Olivier Awards), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Gypsy, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Twelfth Night, Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for Twelfth Night, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The Blue Room, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Cabaret, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Cabaret, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Othello , Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Cabaret , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Cabaret, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Company , Best Director of a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Oliver!, Best Director of a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Cabaret , Best Director of a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Assassins and Best Director of a Play (Olivier Awards) for The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice.

What awards has Sam Mendes won?

Sam Mendes has received numerous awards for his direction, including: Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Lehman Trilogy; Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Ferryman; Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Ferryman; Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Ferryman; Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The Ferryman; Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Uncle Vanya; Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Twelfth Night; Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Uncle Vanya; The Society's Special Award (Olivier Awards); Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Twelfth Night; Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for Uncle Vanya; Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for Twelfth Night; Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Cabaret; and Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Company.

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