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Taika Waititi

What's After the Movie

Taika Waititi

Taika David Cohen ONZM (born 16 August 1975), known professionally as Taika Waititi, is a renowned New Zealand filmmaker, actor, and comedian. Known for directing quirky comedy films, he has expanded his career as a voice actor and producer on numerous critically acclaimed projects. His feature films Boy (2010) and Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) have each been the top-grossing New Zealand film. Waititi's directorial forays also include the superhero films Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), as well as the black comedy film Jojo Rabbit (2019), which he also wrote and starred in enough to an imaginary version of Adolf Hitler. Waititi has received numerous accolades including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award, and was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2022.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Taika David Cohen grew up embracing both his Maori and Jewish identities. He was raised primarily by his mother, following his parents' divorce when he was around five. Undergoing education in theatre at Victoria University of Wellington, he later on adopted his father's name, Waititi, professionally, despite his surname being legally Cohen. His career has been versatile, including being part of a five-member comedy ensemble 'So You're a Man' which toured New Zealand and Australia with some success, directing and writing for television, and even roles in superhero films like the Green Lantern. His work covers a broad spectrum of themes including identity, family, and indigenous culture.

10 movies
6 nominations

Biography, Career & Filmography

Learn more about Taika Waititi, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Taika Waititi rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.


Given Name: Taika David Cohen

Born: Wellington, New Zealand

Citizenship: New Zealand

Birthday: August 16, 1975

Occupations: Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Actor, Comedian

Years Active: 1999-present

Children: 2

Spouses: Chelsea Winstanley, Rita Ora

Awards and Nominations Received by Taika Waititi

Explore awards

Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Taika Waititi has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.


92nd Academy Awards 2020

Win

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Jojo Rabbit

73rd British Academy Film Awards 2020

Win

Best Adapted Screenplay

Jojo Rabbit

25th Critics' Choice Awards 2020

Nomination

Best Adapted Screenplay

Jojo Rabbit

26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2020

Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

Jojo Rabbit

72nd Directors Guild of America Awards 2020

Nomination

Feature Film

Jojo Rabbit

2019 Toronto International Film Festival Awards 2019

Win

People's Choice Award

Jojo Rabbit

Career Timeline

Track the complete movie timeline of Taika Waititi, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.


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