Award-Winning Writer & Director; Emmy Winner for "Watchmen"; Director & Writer of "American Fiction"; Former Editor at Gawker

Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Cord Jefferson Biography

Cord Jefferson is an Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning writer and director whose career encompasses journalism, television, and film. After studying at the College of William & Mary, Jefferson began his journalism career, contributing to publications such as USA Today, The Huffington Post, The Root, and The New York Times Magazine before serving as an editor at Gawker. His background in storytelling and cultural commentary laid the groundwork for his work in screenwriting and directing.

Jefferson started his television writing career on the first season of "Survivor's Remorse," followed by a tenure on "The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore." He has written for the Netflix series "Master of None" and the NBC sitcom "The Good Place." Jefferson earned Writers Guild Award nominations for both "The Good Place" and "Master of None," and won two Writers Guild Awards for his work on "Succession" and "Watchmen." He also contributed to the limited series "Station Eleven."

Jefferson's television credits include HBO's limited series "Watchmen," for which he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing. His work is recognized for blending social commentary with narrative storytelling, resonating with critics and audiences in the television industry.

Jefferson made his feature writing and directorial debut with "American Fiction." Based on the novel "Erasure" by Percival Everett, the film explores themes of race, identity, and the publishing industry. "American Fiction" received the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival and earned multiple accolades, including five Academy Award nominations. Jefferson won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as a BAFTA, a Critics' Choice Award, a Writers Guild Award, and an Independent Spirit Award for his screenplay. He directed performances by Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown, both of whom received Oscar nominations.

Jefferson has addressed the importance of risk-taking in Hollywood and the value of supporting first-time filmmakers. He continues to engage audiences by discussing his transition from journalism to filmmaking and the role of storytelling in challenging perceptions and fostering social change. Jefferson is recognized for his contributions to contemporary American cinema, screenwriting, and cultural discourse.

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

Cord Jefferson Videos

Oscar Winner Cord Jefferson discusses his film AMERICAN ...

Oscar Winner Cord Jefferson discusses his film AMERICAN ...

Cord Jefferson Interview: Watchmen Helped Bring American Fiction ...

Cord Jefferson Interview: Watchmen Helped Bring American Fiction ...

“American Fiction" Director Cord Jefferson Talks Black Storytelling

“American Fiction" Director Cord Jefferson Talks Black Storytelling

  • How do I book Cord Jefferson to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Cord Jefferson

    Speaking fees for Cord Jefferson, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Cord Jefferson are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Cord Jefferson, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Cord Jefferson speak about?

    Cord Jefferson is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Anti-Racism, Culture, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Entertainment, Social Activism, Television & Film
  • Where does Cord Jefferson travel from?

    Cord Jefferson 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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Cord Jefferson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Cord Jefferson for your event is available upon request. Cord Jefferson 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 Issa Rae, Barry Jenkins, Saira Rao, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Jou Jou Papailler. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Cord Jefferson for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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