Patty Jenkins Bio
Patricia Lea Jenkins (born July 24, 1971) is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer. She has directed the feature films Monster (2003), Wonder Woman (2017), and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020). Jenkins is notable for her groundbreaking work in the film industry, including being the first female director of an American superhero film and having her work recognized with numerous awards and nominations.
Early Life and Background
Patty Jenkins was born in Victorville, California, to William T. Jenkins, a U.S. Air Force officer and fighter pilot, and Emily Roth, an environmental scientist. Jenkins spent her early childhood moving frequently due to her father’s military service, living briefly in Thailand and Germany before eventually settling in Lawrence, Kansas. At the age of seven, her father died during a NATO mock dogfight, which had a profound impact on her life. During a road trip, Jenkins and her sister were taken to a movie theater where they watched the original Superman, an experience that inspired Jenkins to pursue filmmaking. Jenkins completed her education in Lawrence, Kansas, before moving to Washington, D.C., where she graduated high school. She earned her undergraduate degree in Painting from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in directing from the American Film Institute’s AFI Conservatory in 2000. While at AFI, Jenkins created the short film Velocity Rules, which showcased her unique vision and storytelling ability.
Path to Hollywood
Jenkins began her career in film during her junior high school years, developing interests in photography, painting, and screen-printing. At age 20, she interned at a commercial production company, which led her to work on set and eventually become a cameraperson. Her breakthrough came when she directed the short film Velocity Rules, which played at AFI Fest and caught the attention of producer Donald Kushner. This connection led to her directing her first feature film, Monster (2003). Monster, which tells the story of serial killer Aileen Wuornos, was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $64 million and earning Charlize Theron an Academy Award for Best Actress. Jenkins won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and the Franklin J. Schaffner Award from the American Film Institute for her work on the film. Following Monster, Jenkins worked in television, directing episodes of series such as Arrested Development and Entourage, and received an Emmy nomination for her work on The Killing.
Patty Jenkins Career
Early Career (1995–2001)
Jenkins began her career with the short film Just Drives in 2001, followed by Velocity Rules. These early works showcased her talent and led to her first feature film, Monster, which was released in 2003. The film’s success established her as a prominent director in Hollywood and earned her critical acclaim.
Breakthrough (2015–Present)
In 2015, Jenkins signed on to direct Wonder Woman, a film that would redefine the superhero genre. Released in June 2017, Wonder Woman became a massive success, grossing over $800 million worldwide and making Jenkins the first female director of an American studio superhero film. The film was praised for its storytelling and representation of female empowerment. Jenkins returned to direct the sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, which was released in December 2020.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jenkins’ signature work includes the Wonder Woman franchise, which has had a significant impact on the film industry. She has received numerous accolades for her contributions, including the Independent Spirit Award and Emmy nominations.
Patty Jenkins Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Patty Jenkins has received several nominations for her work, including an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for The Killing and multiple nominations at the Directors Guild of America Awards.
Patty Jenkins Awards Won
Jenkins has won several prestigious awards, including the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature for Monster and the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement for The Killing.
Patty Jenkins Family
Patty Jenkins is married to Sam Sheridan, a former firefighter and author. The couple has one son and resides in Santa Monica, California.
Personal Life
Jenkins has been open about her experiences in the film industry and her commitment to promoting female representation in Hollywood. She continues to work on various projects, including a third Wonder Woman film and a Star Wars spin-off titled Rogue Squadron, which is currently in development.
