Ronald Bronstein (born 1973 or 1974) is an American screenwriter, film editor, director and actor. He directed, wrote and edited the independent film Frownland (2007). He frequently collaborates with the Safdie brothers, notably co-writing and co-editing Good Time (2017), Uncut Gems (2019), and Marty Supreme (2025). For Marty Supreme, he was nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing at the 98th Academy Awards.
Early life Bronstein grew up Jewish in Great Neck on the North Shore of Long Island. He described his family growing up as "functional and supportive."
He attended NYU film school but dropped out.
Career Debut and early career While working on his first feature, Bronstein worked as a projectionist at various art houses around New York City.
He made his debut in 2007 with the film Frownland. He directed, wrote and edited the film. It received critical acclaim and won the Special Jury Award at the 2007 SXSW Film Festival. The film has been described by critics as one of the most bold, original and important independent films of the century. In 2022, it was released as part of The Criterion Collection.
He worked on the film Yeast in 2008 as an assistant and editor. His wife, Mary Bronstein, directed and stars in the film. The film also stars Greta Gerwig. Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie appear in the film.
Collaboration with the Safdie Brothers
Bronstein first met the Safdie Brothers at the 2007 SXSW Film Festival. Josh was struck by a speech Bronstein had made at the awards ceremony about anti-careerism and was introduced to him afterwards. They shared a mutual interest for documentary-like fictions and in filmmaking as a behavioral experiment.
In 2009, he began his creative partnership with the Safdie brothers with the film Daddy Longlegs. He co-wrote, edited and also appeared in the film as an actor. He won a Gotham Award for Breakthrough Actor.
In 2014, he co-wrote and co-edited Heaven Knows What.
In 2017, he co-wrote and co-edited the film Good Time starring Robert Pattinson.
In 2019, he co-wrote and co-edited Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler. The development and writing process was over 10 years, involving 160 drafts. He won an Independent Spirit Award for best editing, sharing the award with Benny Safdie.
After the Safdie Brothers ended their directing partnership in 2024, he continued to collaborate with the Safdies on individual projects. He is a co-writer, editor and producer for Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme starring Timothee Chalamet. It released on December 25, 2025 by A24.
Bronstein formed Central Pictures, a production company alongside Josh Safdie and Eli Bush in 2024. He is also a partner in Elara Pictures with the Safdie brothers.
Personal life He is married to actress and filmmaker Mary Bronstein.
Filmography Feature films Year Title Director Writer Editor Collaboration with Safdie Brothers Notes 2007 Frownland 2008 Yeast Also assistant director 2009 Daddy Longlegs Also actor 2011 Eyes Find Eyes Actor 2014 Heaven Knows What Also actor 2017 Good Time 2019 Uncut Gems 2022 Funny Pages 2025 If I Had Legs I'd Kick You Also actorNirvanna the Band the Show the MovieSpecial thanksMarty Supreme Also producer; the voice of Blarney Stone Phone TBA The Land of Nod Producer
Awards and nominations +Selected awards and nominationsYearCeremonyCategoryWorkResult2026Academy AwardsBest PictureMarty SupremeBest Writing (Original Screenplay)Best Film Editing2026British Academy Film AwardsBest FilmBest ScreenplayBest Editing2020Critics' Choice AwardsBest EditingUncut Gems2026Marty SupremeBest Original Screenplay2008Film Independent Spirit AwardsSomeone to Watch AwardFrownland2011Best Male LeadDaddy Longlegs2016John Cassavetes AwardHeaven Knows WhatBest Editing2018Good Time2020Best ScreenplayUncut GemsBest Editing2025Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary SeriesRen Faire2026Pee-wee as Himself2026Golden GlobesBest ScreenplayMarty Supreme2007Gotham AwardsBest Film Not Playing At Theater Near YouFrownland2010Breakthrough ActorDaddy Longlegs2025Best FeatureIf I Had Legs I'd Kick You2025Breakthrough Nonfiction SeriesRen Faire2019National Board of ReviewBest Original ScreenplayUncut Gems2025Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Documentary or Nonfiction SpecialPee-wee as HimselfOutstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)Adam Sandler: Love You2007South by Southwest Film FestivalSpecial Jury AwardFrownland2026Writers Guild of America AwardsBest Original ScreenplayMarty Supreme
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