James Adolphus

JAMES ADOLPHUS is an Emmy® Award-winning director and producer, and a three-time Peabody Award-winning cinematographer. Adolphus crafts globally resonant narratives that navigate the profound intersections of social, cultural, and political landscapes.

Adolphus' keen vision found a canvas in the HBO Original, BEING MARY TYLER MOORE, a feature documentary that unveiled the spring season on HBO/MAX. Garnering a Prime Time Emmy Nomination for Best Documentary, this cinematic exploration, co-produced by Lena Waithe's Hillman Grad and Adolphus' own brainchild, Good Trouble Studios (co-founded with Ben Selkow), delves into the pioneering trajectory of Mary Tyler Moore. This iconic figure's career is a testament to her transformative impact on the entertainment realm and societal perceptions of women's roles.

With an unwavering commitment to authenticity, Adolphus is at the helm of GIFTED & BLACK for Amazon Studios. This ambitious project paints a vivid tapestry of Black creativity in music, tracing its rich lineage from historical plantations to the Pulitzer Prize.

Boasting nine Emmy nominations and winner of three, James directed SOUL OF A NATION for ABC News, an unprecedented Black news magazine television series. This poignant series offers a candid lens into the lived experiences of Black Americans, especially in the wake of the profound societal upheavals following George Floyd's tragic passing.

His distinguished directorial endeavors include Netflix's DATING AROUND, Quibi's YOU AINT GOT THESE, and the thought-provoking LITTLE WHITE LIE for Independent Lens. Adolphus' cinematic expertise also graces projects like Disney Plus's ENCORE!, HBO's REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL, Netflix's RAPTURE, and CNN’S BELIEVER WITH REZA ASLAN, showcasing his versatility and profound understanding of the human experience.