Anna Kendrick And Ben Richardson: 5 Shocking Secrets From Their Private 6-Year Romance And Where They Are Now

The private, six-year relationship between Oscar-nominated actress Anna Kendrick and acclaimed British cinematographer Ben Richardson remains one of Hollywood’s most closely guarded secrets. Unlike many celebrity couples who thrive on public attention, this duo—a Hollywood darling and a master behind the camera—managed to keep their romance almost entirely out of the spotlight for its entire duration, a feat that continues to fascinate fans and industry insiders alike. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into their shared past, the professional connection that sparked their love, the quiet end to their long-term partnership, and the powerful, separate career trajectories they have both embarked on since.

Their story is a compelling blend of professional collaboration and personal chemistry, beginning on the set of a critically praised indie film. While the relationship has since concluded, with both individuals moving on to new professional and personal ventures, the period of their romance represents a significant chapter in the lives of two highly talented, yet intensely private, entertainment figures.

Anna Kendrick and Ben Richardson: A Complete Career and Personal Profile

To fully understand the dynamic of this power couple, it is essential to first look at their individual, impressive profiles. Their relationship was a true meeting of minds between a celebrated actress and a visionary cinematographer.

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Anna Kendrick: Actress, Singer, and Director

• Full Name: Anna Cooke Kendrick
• Born: August 9, 1985 (Age 40 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Portland, Maine, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for *Up in the Air* (2009). Starred as Beca Mitchell in the *Pitch Perfect* franchise (2012–2017). Other notable films include *Scott Pilgrim vs. the World*, *Into the Woods*, and *A Simple Favor*.
• Recent & Upcoming Projects (2025): Stars in and executive produces the thriller *Woman of the Hour* (2023), and is set to return as Stephanie Smothers in the highly anticipated sequel, *Another Simple Favor*, which is scheduled to stream on Prime Video on May 1, 2025.

Ben Richardson: Cinematographer, Director, and Producer

• Full Name: Benjamin T. Richardson, ASC BSC
• Born: September 21, 1975 (Age 50 in 2025)
• Birthplace: England, United Kingdom
• Career Highlights: Oscar-nominated for Best Cinematography for *Beasts of the Southern Wild* (2012). Known for his distinct visual style in films like *Wind River* (2017) and *Yellowstone*.
• Recent & Notable TV Work: Served as a cinematographer and director on the critically acclaimed HBO limited series *Mare of Easttown* (2021).

The Unexpected Spark: How 'Drinking Buddies' Brought Them Together

The foundation of Anna Kendrick and Ben Richardson’s relationship was laid in 2012, on the set of the indie comedy-drama *Drinking Buddies*. The film, directed by Joe Swanberg, was known for its heavily improvised dialogue and naturalistic style, a perfect canvas for Richardson's talent for intimate, character-focused cinematography. Kendrick starred alongside Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson in the film, which was shot in Chicago.

Richardson served as the Director of Photography (DP) for the project, meaning he was responsible for the film’s visual look, working in close collaboration with the actors to frame every shot. This professional proximity, inherent in the relationship between a lead actress and a DP, is what first connected the two. While they met in 2012, reports suggest their romantic relationship began two years later, around 2014, after the press and promotion for the film had concluded.

Their six-year romance was characterized by a distinct lack of fanfare. They rarely walked red carpets together, and Kendrick, known for her sharp wit and candid interviews, almost never spoke about Richardson publicly. This deliberate choice to shield their personal life from the Hollywood machine allowed them to maintain a sense of normalcy and privacy that is rare for a celebrity of Kendrick's stature. This shared preference for a low-key life was likely a major factor in the longevity of their relationship, proving that sometimes, silence is the strongest defense against the intrusive nature of celebrity gossip.

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The Quiet Conclusion: A 2020 Split and Separate New Chapters

After nearly six years together, the relationship between Anna Kendrick and Ben Richardson reportedly concluded quietly around 2020. True to their nature, no public statement was issued, and the news only surfaced later through reports on Kendrick’s subsequent dating life.

The end of their relationship marked a shift in both of their professional lives as well, with both figures diving into new, high-profile projects. The separation allowed them to focus on their individual careers, which have both flourished dramatically in the years since.

Anna Kendrick’s Post-2020 Creative Evolution

Following the split, Anna Kendrick entered a period of intense creative and personal growth. She has become more involved behind the camera, making her directorial debut with *Woman of the Hour* (formerly titled *The Dating Game*), a true-crime thriller where she also stars. This move from acting to directing showcases a deeper commitment to filmmaking, a path that naturally aligns with the world of her former partner, Ben Richardson, who is also a director. Furthermore, her return to the big-budget sequel world with *Another Simple Favor* in 2025 confirms her enduring box-office appeal.

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In her personal life, Kendrick briefly dated actor and comedian Bill Hader, and as of 2025, she is reportedly linked to comedian Alex Edelman, according to recent media reports. Her openness about a previous emotionally abusive relationship, though not naming the partner, has also been a major part of her recent public narrative, highlighting a focus on personal healing and growth.

Ben Richardson’s Continued Cinematography Success

Ben Richardson’s career has continued its upward trajectory, cementing his status as one of the most sought-after DPs in the industry. His work on the 2021 HBO series *Mare of Easttown*, which earned him an Emmy nomination, was a masterclass in atmospheric, prestige television cinematography. This project, along with his previous work on the neo-Western crime thriller *Wind River*, showcases his versatility across film and television. Richardson remains a highly respected figure in the film world, continuing to shape the visual language of major productions, with his focus firmly on his craft.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords Related to Their Story

The story of Anna Kendrick and Ben Richardson is intertwined with several key people, projects, and themes that provide a complete picture of their world:

• Joe Swanberg: The director of *Drinking Buddies*, the film that served as the initial professional meeting point for Kendrick and Richardson.
• Bill Hader: The actor and comedian Anna Kendrick dated following her split from Richardson.
• Alex Edelman: The comedian rumored to be Anna Kendrick’s current boyfriend in 2025.
• *Beasts of the Southern Wild*: The 2012 film that earned Ben Richardson his Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.
• *Mare of Easttown*: The acclaimed HBO series where Richardson served as a cinematographer and director, showcasing his post-2020 career evolution.
• *Another Simple Favor*: Anna Kendrick’s major 2025 movie release, a sequel to her successful 2018 thriller, highlighting her current career focus.
• Cinematographer/Director of Photography (DP): The professional role that defined Richardson’s career and his collaboration with Kendrick.
• *Wind River*: Another notable film shot by Richardson, a Taylor Sheridan-directed neo-Western.
• Blake Lively: Kendrick’s co-star in both *A Simple Favor* and the upcoming *Another Simple Favor*.