Joseph Matthew Alwyn (born 21 February 1991) is an English actor. He made his feature film debut as the titular character in Ang Lee's 2016 war drama, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, and has since played supporting roles in films such as The Favourite (2018), Boy Erased (2018), Mary Queen of Scots (2018), and Harriet (2019). His accolades include a Trophée Chopard, a Critics' Choice Movie Award, a Satellite Award, and a Grammy Award.
Born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, and raised in North London, Alwyn developed an interest in acting during his teenage years and joined the National Youth Theatre in 2009. He acted in two student productions at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and graduated with a BA degree in English literature and drama from the University of Bristol (2012). He received another BA, in acting, from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (2015). He won the Trophée Chopard at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, following his appearance in various critically acclaimed films.
Alwyn also worked with American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift in 2020–2022 on ten of her songs, such as "Exile", "Betty", "Champagne Problems", "Coney Island" and "Sweet Nothing"; "Exile" charted inside the top 10 in eight countries. For his contributions to Swift's eighth studio album, Folklore, Alwyn won the Album of the Year at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
In 2022, Alwyn starred in three well-received adaptations—Hulu drama series Conversations with Friends, the romantic thriller film Stars at Noon which won the Grand Prix at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, and the period comedy film Catherine Called Birdy. He appeared on the 2022 Time 100 Next list as one of the world's rising stars.
