Casey Affleck: career, `Oscar` and the ambiguous image of Ben Affleck`s younger brother

Casey Affleck, the younger brother of Ben Affleck, is less known to the audience. However, he is no less talented than his relative.

Being three years younger than his brother, Casey has built a successful career, won an Oscar, and became a BAFTA and Golden Globe laureate. All these awards were earned by Affleck for his role in the film “Manchester by the Sea” (2017).

In this film, his character, Lee Chandler, is a withdrawn, psychologically traumatized man, a simple handyman living alone in a modest apartment in Boston. After his brother's death, he is forced to return to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea to become the guardian of his 16-year-old nephew and confront a tragedy from the past that has largely defined his life.
Actor Casey Affleck in a dark green jacket in a scene from the film "Manchester by the Sea"
Casey Affleck
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Critics praised Casey's performance, highlighting several aspects:
  • The depth of his acting. Affleck conveyed complex emotions through subtle gestures and even silence. Reviewers often noted that his eyes and face expressed more than the dialogues.
  • The authenticity of the character. Affleck portrayed a man suppressing traumatic memories so convincingly that viewers could almost physically feel his pain.
Overall, Casey has appeared in many iconic Hollywood films, mostly in supporting roles. You might have seen him in films such as “Good Will Hunting” (1997), “Ocean's Eleven” (2001), “Interstellar” (2014), “Oppenheimer” (2023), and many others.

During breaks in his busy filming schedule, Casey also keeps himself occupied. He has been married more than once and has earned a controversial reputation due to an incident on the set of the film “I'm Still Here” (2010), which Casey directed.
Casey Affleck with a camera in hand filming Joaquin Phoenix sitting in a chair wearing dark glasses
Filming "I'm Still Here"
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The Essence of the Accusations

Two women from the film crew — producer Amanda White and cinematographer Magdalena Gorka — filed civil lawsuits against Affleck. They claimed that during filming, the director created a hostile atmosphere and made inappropriate, if you catch our drift, comments. In Gorka's case, according to her, he got into bed with her without an invitation while she was sleeping.

Affleck categorically denied the accusations. In 2010, both lawsuits were settled out of court. The terms of the settlements were not disclosed, but according to public sources, the case was closed with a financial settlement.

These accusations came back into the public eye when Affleck was nominated for an Oscar — the #MeToo movement was gaining momentum, and many victims decided to speak out about what was previously kept silent. The fact that the actor received the statuette left many perplexed.
Actor Casey Affleck holds a golden Oscar statuette in his hand
Casey Affleck with an Oscar
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In 2018, Affleck declined to participate in the Oscar ceremony (traditionally, the previous year's winner presents the award), acknowledging that his presence might distract from the nominated actresses.

However, even the high-profile case did not prevent the actor from continuing his brilliant career and competing with his famous brother. One of Affleck's latest works is the film “Slingshot” (2024). A drama titled “Wild Game” is scheduled for release in 2026, with Casey in the lead roles in both.