Sam Yates

Sam Yates (born August 1983)[1][2] is a British director.[3]

Yates grew up in Stockport.[3] He was selected as a Screen International Star of Tomorrow,[4] named a rising star in The Observer,[3] and featured in GQ Magazine's "Men of the next 25 years".[5] Yates has been described as "a major talent"[6] in The Guardian, and "a director of unusual flair"[7] in The Observer. He studied English at Homerton College, Cambridge.

His productions have been nominated for two Olivier Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Murder Ballad (2017),[8] and Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for The Phlebotomist by Ella Road (2019).[9]

Yates has directed two music videos for Ivor Novello Award-nominated band Bear's Den, "Auld Wives"[10] and "Emeralds".[11]

Yates is known for his "eclectic body of work" and his "superb sense for casting",[12] having directed leading talent Andrew Scott,[13] Ruth Wilson,[7] Hayley Atwell,[14] Gemma Arterton,[15] Christian Slater,[16] Matthew Broderick,[17] Ciaran Hinds,[13] Jane Horrocks,[6] Elizabeth McGovern[17] and Jonah Hauer-King.[18]

He is in a relationship with Irish actress Charlie Murphy.[19]