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United States Lee Daniels is an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker known for producing and directing critically acclaimed films and television series, often exploring complex social themes and championing diverse storytelling.
Lee Daniels launched his music label in partnership with Warner Music. Their first project received a Grammy award.
Grey Goose was a premier sponsor for the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival, where Lee Daniels was honored.
Wells Fargo was a premier sponsor for the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival, where Lee Daniels was honored.
BET Networks was an official sponsor for the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival, where Lee Daniels was honored.
Nielsen was a sponsor for the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival, where Lee Daniels was honored.
Nickelodeon was a sponsor for the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival, where Lee Daniels was honored.
Gold Peak Tea was a sponsor for the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival, where Lee Daniels was honored.
Stella Artois was a sponsor for the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival, where Lee Daniels was honored.
Lee Daniels has honed his own brand of storytelling as the producer and director of twist-filled dramas such as FOX's “Empire” and “Star.”
Netflix won a bidding war for an exorcism-styled horror thriller film directed by Daniels for upwards of 65 million dollars.
Daniels and his production company Lee Daniels Entertainment extended its overall deal with 20th Television. He is also developing and directing a limited series on Sammy Davis Jr. for 20th Television and Hulu.
Daniels is developing and directing a limited series based on Sammy Davis Jr. for Hulu and 20th Television.
Lee Daniels was born on December 24, 1959, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Lindenwood University for two years before moving to Los Angeles. Daniels initially established and later sold a nursing agency specializing in HIV/AIDS treatment. His career in entertainment began as a casting director and manager. By his mid-twenties, he worked with Prince on projects like “Purple Rain” (1984) and “Under the Cherry Moon” (1986). He continued to manage talent, including several Academy Award nominees and winners, before founding his own production company, Lee Daniels Entertainment.
His production company’s first film, “Monster’s Ball” (2001), achieved critical and financial success. The film notably earned Halle Berry an Academy Award for Best Actress. Daniels continued to produce impactful films such as “The Woodsman” (2004), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He made his directorial debut with “Shadowboxer” (2005) and later directed the acclaimed film “Precious” (2009), which earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. “Precious” received widespread praise and performed well at the box office, grossing $63 million worldwide against a $10 million budget. This film allowed Daniels to revisit his personal experience with abuse, contributing to its authentic portrayal.
Daniels further cemented his reputation as a director with films like “The Paperboy” (2012) and “The Butler” (2013), the latter of which grossed over $100 million in the United States. In television, he co-created and co-executive produced the successful series “Empire” (2015–2020) and “Star” (2016–2019), both centered on the music industry. His recent directing credits include “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” (2021) and “The Deliverance” (2024). Beyond his creative work, Daniels has been involved in activism, producing public service announcements to encourage young people of color to vote and being recognized for his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and AIDS awareness.
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