Benedikt Erlingsson

Benedikt Erlingsson is an Icelandic actor, film director, and screenwriter born on 31 May 1969 in Reykjavík. After completing his studies at the Iceland Academy of the Arts in 1994, he quickly became a staple of the National Theater of Iceland, where he has spent the majority of his professional life directing and performing. His early television work includes a memorable stint on the beloved sketch comedy series Fóstbræður, which helped cement his reputation for both comedic timing and dramatic depth. Erlingsson gained international visibility when he portrayed the interpreter in Lars von Trier’s 2006 film The Boss of It All, a satirical story about a hidden corporate boss communicated solely by e‑mail. In 2013 he made his directorial debut with Of Horses and Men, a lyrical ensemble piece that was selected as Iceland’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards and subsequently won the prestigious 2014 Nordic Council Film Prize as well as the audience award at the Tromsø International Film Festival. His sophomore feature, Woman at War (2018), explores eco‑terrorism and personal rebellion, earned another Academy Award submission for Iceland, and reinforced his standing as a filmmaker capable of blending humor, social commentary, and striking visual storytelling. Beyond cinema, Erlingsson has directed four notable productions for the National Theater, including Iceland’s Bell by Halldór Laxness, showcasing his versatility on stage. In 2021 he returned to the screen as Steingrímur Hermannsson in the drama miniseries Blackport, further demonstrating his range. Most recently, in September 2025 he joined an open pledge with Film Workers for Palestine, refusing to collaborate with Israeli film institutions implicated in alleged human rights abuses, highlighting his engagement with political activism.