Myron I. Kerstein

Myron I. Kerstein is an American film editor renowned for his dynamic and rhythmically precise editorial work, particularly within the musical and genre-blending cinematic space. He gained significant acclaim for his collaborations with directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as Daniels, and for his contributions to major studio and independent productions. Kerstein's editing is frequently noted for its emotional clarity and innovative handling of complex, multi-layered narratives, earning him prestigious industry recognition including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Film Editing.

Early life and education

Myron I. Kerstein was born and raised in New York City, where he developed an early fascination with storytelling and film. He pursued his higher education at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, a renowned institution known for producing notable filmmakers. During his time at NYU, Kerstein honed his craft, focusing on the technical and narrative principles of film editing. His academic training provided a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary editing techniques, which he would later apply to his professional work in the film industry.

Career

Kerstein began his career working on various independent films and television projects, gradually building a reputation for his skillful pacing and narrative intuition. A significant early breakthrough was his work on the acclaimed musical Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021), directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, where his editing was crucial in translating the energy of Jonathan Larson's stage production to the screen. His collaboration on Jon M. Chu's blockbuster romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians (2018) further established his ability to handle large-scale productions with both comedic timing and emotional depth. These projects led to his pivotal partnership with the directing duo Daniels on the multiversal adventure Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), a film that became a major critical and commercial success.

Film editing style and collaborations

Kerstein's editorial style is characterized by its rhythmic precision, often compared to musical composition, and a keen ability to balance multiple tonal shifts within a single narrative. His work on Everything Everywhere All at Once demonstrated a mastery of rapid-fire montage, parallel editing, and visual comedy, seamlessly weaving together elements of science fiction, family drama, and absurdist fiction. His long-standing collaboration with Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert is built on a shared vision for inventive, emotionally resonant storytelling. Similarly, his work with Lin-Manuel Miranda on Tick, Tick... Boom! showcased his talent for editing musical sequences that serve both character development and plot propulsion. Kerstein is also known for his effective partnerships with other editors, such as Paul Rogers, with whom he co-edited the aforementioned Academy Award-winning film.

Filmography

A selected list of feature films edited by Myron I. Kerstein includes: * The Last Five Years (2014) * Crazy Rich Asians (2018) * The Sun Is Also a Star (2019) * All My Life (2020) * Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021) * Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) – Co-edited with Paul Rogers * The Greatest Hits (2024)

Awards and nominations

For his work on Everything Everywhere All at Once, Kerstein, alongside co-editor Paul Rogers, received numerous accolades. These include a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Film Editing at the 95th Academy Awards. The film also earned them the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Editing and a nomination for the British Academy Film Award for Best Editing. His editing for Tick, Tick... Boom! was recognized with a nomination for the American Cinema Editors Eddie Award for Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy or Musical). These honors highlight his standing as one of the most influential film editors of his generation.

Category:American film editors Category:Living people Category:New York University alumni