Anthony Katagas

Biography

Anthony Katagas is an American film producer known for his extensive work in both independent and mainstream cinema. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with some of the most respected directors in contemporary film and has built a reputation for producing thought-provoking, artistically ambitious projects.

Katagas was born and raised in New York, USA, and developed an early fascination with storytelling and filmmaking. Before entering the film industry, he attended Western New England University, where he was also an accomplished athlete, playing lacrosse at a national level. His disciplined background and passion for collaboration would later define his work as a producer.

Career

Anthony Katagas began his producing career in the late 1990s, initially working on independent films that reflected his commitment to authentic storytelling and bold artistic voices. He founded Keep Your Head Productions, a production company based in New York, through which he supported a wide range of innovative projects.

Katagas gained widespread recognition through his long-standing collaboration with director James Gray, producing acclaimed films such as:

The Yards (2000)

We Own the Night (2007)

Two Lovers (2008)

The Immigrant (2013)

Ad Astra (2019)* – starring Brad Pitt, a major sci-fi drama praised for its visual depth and emotional storytelling.

He is also known for his work with Steve McQueen, serving as a producer on the Academy Award-winning film 12 Years a Slave (2013), which earned him an Oscar for Best Picture alongside Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, and others. The film received global acclaim for its powerful depiction of slavery and remains one of the most significant cinematic achievements of the 21st century.

In addition to these, Katagas has produced numerous other notable films, including The Lost City of Z (2016), Armageddon Time (2022), and Amsterdam (2022), continuing his reputation for championing director-driven projects with depth and vision.