Sam Yates (born August 1983) is a British director.
Yates grew up in Stockport and attended Poynton High School.
He was selected as a Screen International Star of Tomorrow, named a rising star in The Observer, and featured in GQ Magazine's "Men of the next 25 years".
Yates has been described as "a major talent" in The Guardian, and "a director of unusual flair" in The Observer.
He studied English at Homerton College, Cambridge.
2017
His productions have been nominated for two Olivier Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Murder Ballad (2017), and Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for The Phlebotomist by Ella Road (2019).
Yates has directed two music videos for Ivor Novello Award-nominated band Bear's Den, "Auld Wives" and "Emeralds".
Yates is known for his "eclectic body of work" and his "superb sense for casting", having directed leading talent Andrew Scott, Ruth Wilson, Hayley Atwell, Gemma Arterton, Christian Slater, Matthew Broderick, Ciaran Hinds, Jane Horrocks, Elizabeth McGovern and Jonah Hauer-King.
He is in a relationship with Irish actress Charlie Murphy.
