Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi Bio

Taika David Cohen, born on 16 August 1975, known professionally as Taika Waititi, is a New Zealand filmmaker, actor, and comedian. He has received various accolades including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2022. His feature films Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople have each been the top-grossing New Zealand film. Waititi’s 2003 short film Two Cars, One Night earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film.

Early Life and Background

Taika David Cohen was born in Wellington, New Zealand, and grew up in Wellington’s Aro Valley suburb and Raukokore, a small town in the Bay of Plenty. His father was an artist of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui descent, while his mother, Robin Cohen, was a schoolteacher of multiple ethnicities. Waititi identifies as both Māori and Jewish, describing himself as a “Polynesian Jew.” He was raised more connected to his Māori roots and identifies as an atheist who values indigenous beliefs.

Waititi’s parents divorced when he was around five years old, and he was primarily raised by his mother. He attended Onslow College and later studied theatre at Victoria University of Wellington, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1997. Although his surname is legally Cohen, he has been known primarily by his father’s surname, Waititi, for most of his life.

Path to Hollywood

While a student at Victoria University of Wellington, Waititi was part of the comedy ensemble So You’re a Man, which toured New Zealand and Australia. He and Jemaine Clement, as the comedy duo The Humourbeasts, received New Zealand’s highest comedy accolade, the Billy T Award, in 1999. Waititi’s first notable work was in the black comedy film Scarfies in 1999. He began making comical short films for New Zealand’s annual 48Hours film contest, and his short film Two Cars, One Night earned acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short in 2005.

His first feature film, a romantic comedy titled Eagle vs Shark, was released in the United States in 2007. In 2010, his second feature, Boy, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and became a significant success in New Zealand, breaking several box office records.

Taika Waititi Career

Early Career (1999–2011)

During the early years of his career, Taika Waititi gained recognition for his unique storytelling style and comedic flair. He directed the acclaimed short film Two Cars, One Night in 2003, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. His feature film debut, Eagle vs Shark, showcased his ability to blend humor with heartfelt narratives. In 2010, Boy solidified his reputation as a filmmaker, receiving enthusiastic reviews and achieving box office success in New Zealand.

Breakthrough (2013–2019)

Waititi’s breakthrough came with the co-direction and co-writing of the vampire comedy mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows in 2014, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film’s success led to a television adaptation that premiered in 2019. His fourth feature, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and became a box office hit in New Zealand.

In 2017, Waititi directed Thor: Ragnarok, marking his entry into major studio filmmaking. The film was critically acclaimed and successful at the box office. In 2019, he wrote and directed Jojo Rabbit, which received six Academy Award nominations, winning Best Adapted Screenplay. This achievement made him the first person of Māori descent to win an Academy Award in a screenplay category.

Notable Works and Milestones

Taika Waititi’s signature works include Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. His ability to blend humor with poignant themes has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Taika Waititi Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Taika Waititi has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, including the Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards, reflecting his impact on the film industry.

Taika Waititi Awards Won

Taika Waititi has won several notable awards, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit and a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, showcasing his versatility and talent in filmmaking.

Taika Waititi Family

Taika Waititi was previously married to Chelsea Winstanley from 2011 to 2018, and they have two daughters together. He is currently married to British singer Rita Ora, with whom he has been in a relationship since 2021.

Personal Life

Waititi has been open about his Māori heritage and often incorporates it into his work. He supports indigenous artists and has been involved in various projects that uplift indigenous voices in the film industry. His personal life has been marked by his relationships and his commitment to his cultural roots.