Alexander Payne

Alexander Payne

64 · Born: Feb 10, 1961

Personal Details

BornFeb 10, 1961 Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Spouse
  • Maria Kontou

    ( Sep 1, 2015 to May 10, 2025 )
  • Sandra Oh

    ( Jan 1, 2003 to Dec 21, 2006 )
Parents
  • Peggy Constantine
  • George Payne

Biography

Alexander Payne, a celebrated and accomplished filmmaker, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of modern American cinema, his work continuing to captivate and inspire audiences to this very day. Born on February 10, 1961, Payne has consistently demonstrated a mastery of his craft, his extensive filmography a testament to his boundless creativity, versatility, and artistic talent.

Noted film director Alexander Payne has left an indelible mark on the cinematic world with a diverse range of critically acclaimed movies, each showcasing his unique narrative style and attention to detail. Among his most notable works, Election (1999) stands out as a witty and incisive commentary on high school politics, while Sideways (2004) offers a poignant exploration of friendship and the human condition. The Descendants (2011) and About Schmidt (2002) further demonstrate Payne's ability to craft nuanced, character-driven stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Additionally, Nebraska (2013) and The Holdovers (2023) showcase his continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and his unwavering dedication to his craft.

Noted American screenwriter Alexander Payne has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim throughout his distinguished career, with his exceptional writing skills earning him not one, but two Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay. These prestigious accolades were bestowed upon him for his outstanding work on the critically acclaimed films Sideways and The Descendants.

Furthermore, Payne's cinematic endeavors have also been recognized and honored by the esteemed Golden Globe Awards, with two of his films taking home the coveted title of Best Picture. This impressive achievement is a testament to his remarkable storytelling abilities and his capacity to craft engaging, thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.

In his most recent film, The Holdovers, Payne's exceptional writing skills once again came to the forefront, as the talented Da'Vine Joy Randolph received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her captivating performance. This latest recognition serves as a fitting tribute to Payne's continued excellence as a screenwriter, and his ability to craft compelling, memorable stories that captivate and inspire audiences alike.

Payne's affiliation with the Cornhusker State is deeply ingrained, as a notable five of his cinematic endeavors have been lensed at least partially within its borders. This profound attachment is mirrored by his current residential arrangement, wherein he splits his time between the state of Nebraska, where he makes his home, and the City of Angels, Los Angeles, where his professional pursuits often take him.

Individual's Life Story Commences in the City of Omaha

Notable figure Payne embarked on a journey to pursue his ardor for filmmaking at Stanford University, a prestigious educational institution renowned for its academic excellence.

During his formative years at Stanford, Payne's academic pursuits led him to explore the fascinating realm of History, as well as the captivating world of Spanish Literature, thus laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Payne continued to nurture his creative aspirations by pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA),an esteemed institution in the realm of cinematic arts.

Not only does Payne make significant contributions to the world of cinema, but he also dedicates his time and expertise to esteemed organizations, specifically the Telluride Film Festival and The Film Foundation, where he holds positions on their respective boards.

Career

{"id":34560,"title":"Paris, je t'aime","year":"2006","character":"Oscar Wilde (Pere-Lachaise)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/paris-je-taime","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4bfr4k9og5r0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4bfr4k9og5r0.jpg"},"released":1}
2006
Paris, je t'aime
Paris, je t'aime as Oscar Wilde (Pere-Lachaise)
{"id":234657,"title":"Frank Capra: Mr America","year":"2023","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/frank-capra-mr-america","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_234657.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_234657.jpg"},"released":1}
2023
{"id":141069,"title":"Joe Frank: Somewhere Out There","year":"2019","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/joe-frank-somewhere-out-there","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_141069.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_141069.jpg"},"released":1}
2019
{"id":113488,"title":"Hal","year":"2019","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hal","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_113488.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_113488.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":39452,"title":"Trespassing Bergman","year":"2013","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/trespassing-bergman","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_39452.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_39452.jpg"},"released":1}
2013
{"id":51785,"title":"Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession","year":"2004","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/z-channel-a-magnificent-obsession","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_51785.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_51785.jpg"},"released":1}
2004
{"id":51470,"title":"The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing","year":"2004","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-cutting-edge-the-magic-of-movie-editing","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_51470.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_51470.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":45037,"title":"Sideways","year":"2009","job":"Story","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sideways-2009","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_45037.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_45037.jpg"},"released":1}
2009
Sideways
Sideways as Story
{"id":605,"title":"I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry","year":"2007","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/i-now-pronounce-you-chuck-larry","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/28parsesujj0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/28parsesujj0.jpg"},"released":1}
2007
{"id":3117,"title":"Jurassic Park III","year":"2001","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/jurassic-park-iii","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/q0kpue1s5bo0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/q0kpue1s5bo0.jpg"},"released":1}
2001
{"id":217880,"title":"The Holdovers","year":"2023","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-holdovers","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7gtcr7f5n7c0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7gtcr7f5n7c0.jpg"},"released":1}
2023
The Holdovers
The Holdovers as Director
{"id":114298,"title":"Downsizing","year":"2017","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/downsizing","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1cdkulcbhgso.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1cdkulcbhgso.jpg"},"released":1}
2017
Downsizing
Downsizing as Director, Screenplay
{"id":687,"title":"Nebraska","year":"2013","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/nebraska","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7s7lrttipmp0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/7s7lrttipmp0.jpg"},"released":1}
2013
Nebraska
Nebraska as Director
{"id":1190,"title":"The Descendants","year":"2011","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-descendants","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/442m50iq8p30.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/442m50iq8p30.jpg"},"released":1}
2011
The Descendants
The Descendants as Director, Screenplay
{"id":34560,"title":"Paris, je t'aime","year":"2006","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/paris-je-taime","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4bfr4k9og5r0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4bfr4k9og5r0.jpg"},"released":1}
2006
Paris, je t'aime
Paris, je t'aime as Director, Writer
{"id":444,"title":"Sideways","year":"2004","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sideways","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/giht8ci3gqs0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/giht8ci3gqs0.jpg"},"released":1}
2004
Sideways
Sideways as Director, Screenplay
{"id":2906,"title":"About Schmidt","year":"2002","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/about-schmidt","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2osc14fd0g70.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2osc14fd0g70.jpg"},"released":1}
2002
About Schmidt
About Schmidt as Director, Screenplay
{"id":4229,"title":"Election","year":"1999","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/election","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4edluenircr0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4edluenircr0.jpg"},"released":1}
1999
Election
Election as Director, Screenplay
{"id":8943,"title":"Citizen Ruth","year":"1996","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/citizen-ruth","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_8943.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_8943.jpg"},"released":1}
1996
Citizen Ruth
Citizen Ruth as Director, Screenplay
{"id":80021,"title":"Inside Out III","year":"1992","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/inside-out-iii","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_80021.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_80021.jpg"},"released":1}
1992
Inside Out III
Inside Out III as Director
{"id":80089,"title":"Inside Out","year":"1991","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/inside-out-1991","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_80089.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_80089.jpg"},"released":1}
1991
Inside Out
Inside Out as Director, Writer
{"id":189251,"title":"The Passion of Martin","year":"1991","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-passion-of-martin","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_189251.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_189251.jpg"},"released":1}
The Passion of Martin
The Passion of Martin as Director, Screenplay