Nathan S. Garfinkel is a film and television director, producer, and writer. He is best known for his work on the hit television series Portlandia, as well as his critically acclaimed films, The Skeleton Twins and Little Accidents. He has also directed episodes for other popular television shows such as The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Transparent.
Garfinkel was born in Los Angeles, California in 1979. He attended the University of Southern California, where he graduated with degrees in Film and Television Production and Writing. After graduating, he began his career in television, directing episodes of the television series Ugly Betty, The New Adventures of Old Christine, and Gossip Girl.
In 2011, Garfinkel wrote and directed his first feature film, The Skeleton Twins. Starring Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, the film was praised by critics and won numerous awards, including a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Garfinkel's next feature film, Little Accidents, was released in 2014. The film, which starred Elizabeth Banks and Boyd Holbrook, was a critical success, earning a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Following the success of Little Accidents, Garfinkel went on to direct episodes of Portlandia and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
In addition to his work in television and film, Garfinkel has also served as a producer on several projects. He produced the 2014 documentary film The Wolfpack, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. He also executive produced the 2019 drama film Share, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Garfinkel currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two children. He continues to direct, produce, and write for television and film. His latest film, The One and Only Ivan, is set to be released in 2021.