Playwright & Screenwriter; Academy Award Winner for "Moonlight"; Artistic Director at Geffen Playhouse

Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Tarell Alvin McCraney Biography

Tarell Alvin McCraney is a playwright and screenwriter whose work spans theater, film, and television, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the Black experience. McCraney grew up in Miami's Liberty City and pursued a BFA in acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University, followed by an MFA in playwriting from the Yale School of Drama, where he received the Cole Porter Playwriting Award. The story that would become the Academy Award-winning film "Moonlight" originated from a class project during his time at DePaul.

McCraney first gained recognition in the theater community for his trilogy, "The Brother/Sister Plays," which includes "The Brothers Size," "In the Red and Brown Water," and "Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet." The trilogy has been staged at The Public Theater in New York, Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, and the Young Vic in London, earning an Olivier Award nomination. McCraney received the first New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award for this work. His other stage works include "Head of Passes," "Wig Out!" and "Choir Boy," which was nominated for four Tony Awards. He has served as International Writer-in-Residence for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

In film and television, McCraney co-wrote the screenplay for "Moonlight" with director Barry Jenkins, earning the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. He created the Peabody Award-winning drama "David Makes Man" for OWN and wrote the Netflix film "High Flying Bird," directed by Steven Soderbergh. His work in screenwriting and television continues to influence contemporary storytelling and representation.

McCraney has received numerous honors, including a MacArthur Fellowship, the Whiting Award, the Steinberg Playwright Award, the Evening Standard Award, the Paula Vogel Playwriting Award, the Windham Campbell Award, and a USA Artist Award. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Warwick and is an associate at the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Writers Branch.

McCraney serves as artistic director of Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and as chair of playwriting at the Yale School of Drama. His career in American theater, film, and television positions him as a significant voice in contemporary arts, with a focus on storytelling that addresses social issues and personal transformation.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/09/2026.

Tarell Alvin McCraney Videos

Tarell Alvin McCraney talks about life after winning an Oscar award ...

Tarell Alvin McCraney talks about life after winning an Oscar award ...

Tarell Alvin McCraney playwright behind the movie "Moonlight" talks about his life after winning an Oscar.

An Interview with 2017 Academy Award Winner Tarell Alvin McCraney

An Interview with 2017 Academy Award Winner Tarell Alvin McCraney

2008 Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition Winner Tarell Alvin McCraney talks playwriting

Moonlight's Tarell Alvin McCraney: 'I'm still that vulnerable boy ...

Moonlight's Tarell Alvin McCraney: 'I'm still that vulnerable boy ...

The film Moonlight has won best picture at the Oscars.

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  • What topics does Tarell Alvin McCraney speak about?

    Tarell Alvin McCraney is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Actor, Author, Black Heritage, Black History Month, College, Creativity, Diversity & Inclusion, Health & Wellness, HIV & AIDS, LGBTQ, Performing Arts, Storytelling, Television & Film
  • Where does Tarell Alvin McCraney travel from?

    Tarell Alvin McCraney generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Tarell Alvin McCraney is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Tarell Alvin McCraney for your event is available upon request. Tarell Alvin McCraney generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Billy Porter, Kal Penn, Glory Edim and Michael Arceneaux. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Tarell Alvin McCraney for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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