The Private World Of Anna Kendrick And Ben Richardson: Inside The 6-Year Relationship That Hollywood Barely Saw

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The relationship between Anna Kendrick and Ben Richardson remains one of Hollywood’s most closely guarded secrets, a six-year romance that flourished far from the invasive glare of the paparazzi. In a town obsessed with public spectacle, the actress and the acclaimed cinematographer managed to build a deep connection, a testament to their mutual desire for privacy.

As of late 2025, both Kendrick and Richardson have moved on to new chapters in their lives and careers, but the story of their time together—which spanned from their first meeting on a critically praised indie film set to their quiet split around 2020—continues to fascinate fans and industry insiders alike. Their professional and romantic entanglement offers a unique look at how two creatives can find love while collaborating on some of the most nuanced projects in modern cinema.

Anna Kendrick and Ben Richardson: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

The foundation of their relationship was a shared world of filmmaking, with both individuals being highly respected in their respective fields. Their biographies highlight a commitment to independent and character-driven projects, which ultimately brought them together.

Anna Kendrick (Actress, Producer, Author)

  • Full Name: Anna Cooke Kendrick
  • Born: August 9, 1985, in Portland, Maine, U.S.
  • Occupation: Actress, Singer, Author, Producer
  • Career Highlights: Began her career as a child actress in theatre, earning a Tony Award nomination at age 12 for the Broadway musical *High Society*. Rose to prominence with roles in the *Twilight* Saga, an Oscar nomination for *Up in the Air* (2009), and global stardom in the *Pitch Perfect* franchise.
  • Notable Projects: *Up in the Air*, *Pitch Perfect*, *A Simple Favor*, *The Last Five Years*, *Drinking Buddies*, *Woman of the Hour*.
  • Awards & Recognition: Academy Award nomination, Golden Globe nomination, Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, Tony Award nomination.

Ben Richardson (Cinematographer, Director)

  • Full Name: Benjamin T. Richardson, ASC, BSC
  • Born: September 21, 1975, in England, U.K.
  • Occupation: Cinematographer (Director of Photography), Director, Television Producer
  • Career Highlights: Known for his striking, atmospheric visual style, particularly in independent cinema. His breakout work on *Beasts of the Southern Wild* (2012) earned him the Cinematography Award at the Sundance Film Festival and a Spirit Award.
  • Notable Projects: *Beasts of the Southern Wild*, *Drinking Buddies*, *The Last Five Years*, *Wind River*, *Yellowstone* (TV Series), *Mare of Easttown* (TV Series).
  • Awards & Recognition: Sundance Film Festival Cinematography Award, Independent Spirit Award, American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) membership, British Society of Cinematographers (BSC) membership.

The Cinematic Spark: How *Drinking Buddies* Led to a Private Romance

The professional collaboration between Kendrick and Richardson was the initial catalyst for their long-term romance. They first met on the set of the 2013 comedy-drama, *Drinking Buddies*, directed by Joe Swanberg.

The film, which also starred Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson, used a highly improvisational style, fostering a close-knit, intimate atmosphere among the cast and crew. Richardson served as the Director of Photography, responsible for the film's naturalistic, fly-on-the-wall aesthetic.

While the film was shot in 2012, the pair reportedly did not begin dating until early 2014, following Kendrick's split from director Edgar Wright. Their shared experience on the set of *Drinking Buddies*—a movie about the complicated lines between friendship and romance—ironically set the stage for their own private love story.

Their professional paths crossed again in 2014 for the musical film *The Last Five Years*, where Kendrick played the lead role of Cathy Hiatt, and Richardson was once again the cinematographer. Working together on two such distinct projects—an improv-heavy indie and a sung-through musical—showcased their compatibility both on and off set. This second collaboration cemented their bond, but they remained intensely private about their personal lives, rarely appearing on red carpets together or commenting on their relationship in interviews.

The Quiet Breakup and Respective Career Triumphs Post-2020

The relationship between Anna Kendrick and Ben Richardson lasted for approximately six years, making it Kendrick’s longest public romance. They were last photographed together in late 2019, and the news of their amicable split surfaced around 2020. True to their nature, the breakup was handled with the same discretion as their dating life, with no public statements or dramatic announcements.

Since their separation, both have continued to achieve significant milestones in their careers, demonstrating their individual strengths and dedication to their craft.

Ben Richardson’s Acclaimed Cinematography

Richardson’s career as a cinematographer has only soared since the end of the relationship. He has become one of the most sought-after DPs in Hollywood, known for his ability to capture the raw emotion and vast landscapes of his projects.

  • Television Success: Richardson has lent his visual expertise to critically acclaimed television, notably the gritty, atmospheric look of the HBO limited series *Mare of Easttown* and the epic, sprawling vistas of the neo-Western drama *Yellowstone*. These projects have solidified his reputation beyond independent film.
  • Industry Recognition: His work continues to be recognized by his peers, having been inducted into both the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) and the British Society of Cinematographers (BSC).
  • Recent Work: Richardson’s filmography continues to expand with major projects, including his work on the intense thriller *Wind River*, further establishing him as a master of mood and visual storytelling.

Anna Kendrick’s Producing and Directorial Debut

Kendrick has also entered a new phase of her career, expanding her role behind the camera and taking on more challenging, personal projects. Following her split, Kendrick was briefly linked to actor Bill Hader, another relationship she kept intensely private.

Her focus has shifted towards producing and directing, allowing her to tell stories with a deeply personal resonance:

  • Directorial Debut: Kendrick made her directorial debut with the film *Woman of the Hour* (2023), in which she also starred as Cheryl Bradshaw. The film premiered to positive reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This move marked a significant evolution from her earlier acting roles.
  • Focus on Personal Narratives: In promotional interviews for her recent work, Kendrick has spoken openly about surviving an emotionally abusive past relationship, a topic she explored in her film *Woman of the Hour*. While she maintains her policy of not naming the ex-partner, her willingness to discuss the experience has resonated with many fans, providing a rare glimpse into the emotional fortitude she developed during her private years.
  • Continued Acting Success: She continues to star in major productions, balancing her new roles as a producer and director with her established career as a leading actress.

The Legacy of a Private Hollywood Couple

The six-year relationship between Anna Kendrick and Ben Richardson serves as a quiet anomaly in the celebrity landscape. Their story is not defined by red carpet glamour or tabloid headlines, but by mutual respect, shared artistic ambition, and a fierce commitment to privacy. They proved that a high-profile actress and an Oscar-caliber cinematographer could build a life together without sacrificing their personal space.

The lasting impact of their romance is perhaps best seen in their collaborative filmography, which includes two projects that are favorites among indie film enthusiasts. Their time together may be over, but the work they created—from the hazy, improvisational charm of *Drinking Buddies* to the emotional complexity of *The Last Five Years*—remains a permanent part of their shared artistic legacy. The success they each enjoy today is a testament to the powerful, yet intensely private, bond they once shared.

anna kendrick ben richardson
anna kendrick ben richardson

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