New York — Andrew Karpen, the influential founder and CEO of Bleecker Street Media, passed away Monday at the age of 59 after a battle with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer. His death has profoundly impacted the independent film community, where his contributions have been substantial.
Karpen established Bleecker Street in 2014 with the support of Manoj Bhargava, the founder of 5-hour Energy. Under his leadership, the company quickly gained recognition, bringing to audiences standout films like “Trumbo” in 2015 and “Captain Fantastic” in 2016, with performances by Bryan Cranston, Helen Mirren, and Viggo Mortensen. Over its nearly ten years of operation, Bleecker Street has distributed more than 75 films, including the critically acclaimed “Logan Lucky” in 2017 and the Oscar-nominated “Golda” released in 2024. Most recently, the company released “The Wedding Banquet,” a remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 romantic comedy, featuring a modern cast including Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone.
Kent Sanderson, president of Bleecker Street and a long-time friend of Karpen, expressed deep sorrow at the loss, calling him “a giant” in the industry. Sanderson highlighted Karpen’s leadership qualities, emphasizing his commitment to kindness and the importance of family, values that will continue to resonate within the company. “His courage and passion for cinema will inspire us for years to come,” Sanderson said.
Before founding Bleecker Street, Karpen made significant strides in the entertainment industry. He began his career at Miramax and then moved on to Oxygen Media, where he served as senior vice president of finance and planning. Karpen later joined Focus Features, the specialty division of NBCUniversal, where he advanced from chief operating officer to president and co-chief executive. His tenure at Focus Features spanned over a decade and was marked by notable successes.
In 2013, Karpen chose to leave Focus Features when Universal Pictures revamped its specialty division and relocated its headquarters to California’s studio lot. He opted to remain in New York, prioritizing his family over the opportunity to relocate.
Karpen is survived by his wife, Pam, and their three children, Josh, Zack, and Sloan. He also leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Kristen, who is expecting their first grandchild. His legacy will likely endure not only through his films but also through the values he instilled in those around him.