So, you’re staring at a grid. It’s a Tuesday or maybe a particularly nasty Saturday, and the clue just says film writer director Goldberg NYT. You've got four or five letters to fill, and your brain is cycling through every Goldberg you’ve ever heard of. Is it the guy who made The Goldbergs? The dude who works with Seth Rogen? Or maybe the one who wrote the Hangover movies?
Honestly, the name "Goldberg" in Hollywood is basically like the name "Smith" in a phone book. It’s everywhere. But when the New York Times (NYT) crossword mentions a film writer/director named Goldberg, they are usually hunting for a specific set of creators who have shaped comedy and drama over the last forty years.
The Mystery of the Five-Letter Goldberg
If the answer is ADAM, you’re looking at Adam F. Goldberg. Most people know him as the creator of the long-running ABC sitcom The Goldbergs, which was basically a giant love letter to the 1980s. But he’s more than just a TV guy. He’s a prolific film writer and producer who got his start with the cult classic Fanboys.
Then there’s the other ADAM. Adam Goldberg (no 'F') is the actor you remember from Saving Private Ryan (he played Mellish) or Dazed and Confused. He’s also a director and writer, having helmed indie projects like Scotch and Milk and I Love Your Work. If you see "Film writer director Goldberg NYT" and the box fits four letters, it’s almost always one of these two.
Evan Goldberg: The Seth Rogen Connection
If the crossword wants a bigger name in modern raunchy comedy, it’s usually EVAN.
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Evan Goldberg is the Canadian powerhouse who has been tethered to Seth Rogen since they were teenagers in Vancouver. Together, they wrote Superbad and Pineapple Express. Evan isn't just a writer; he directed This Is the End and The Interview. In the world of 2026, he’s still a massive force, recently winning Emmys for the Apple TV+ series The Studio.
He’s the Goldberg who changed how we talk about friendship and weed on screen. If the clue mentions "Superbad" or "Rogen partner," EVAN is your guy.
The Legacy of Daniel Goldberg
We can't talk about this name without mentioning Daniel Goldberg.
He passed away in 2023, but his footprint on the NYT crossword and film history is permanent. He wasn't just a writer; he was the producer who helped bring The Hangover trilogy to life. Before that? He co-wrote Stripes and Meatballs.
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Basically, if you laughed at a Bill Murray movie in the early 80s, Daniel Goldberg probably had a hand in it. He was a frequent collaborator of Ivan Reitman. His brother, Harris Goldberg, is also a writer and director (Deuce Bigalow, Without a Paddle), making the family a literal Goldberg dynasty in the entertainment business.
Why the Goldberg Clue is Such a Trap
The NYT crossword editors love these names because they provide "vowel-heavy" flexibility.
- ADAM (A-A)
- EVAN (E-A)
- DAN (A)
When you see film writer director Goldberg NYT, you have to look at the surrounding clues. If the "across" clue starts with an "E," you’re likely looking for Evan. If the "down" clue ends in "M," you’re safely in Adam territory.
Other Goldbergs You Might Encounter
- Andrew Goldberg: The co-creator of Big Mouth. While more known for animation and TV, he’s a frequent trivia answer.
- Danny Goldberg: A music industry legend who co-directed the documentary No Nukes.
- Michelle Goldberg: An NYT columnist. Not a film director, but often appears in the same crossword puzzles as the others.
How to Solve the Goldberg Dilemma Every Time
Don't just guess.
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First, check the letter count. Four letters usually means ADAM or EVAN. Three letters is almost certainly DAN.
Second, look at the era. Is the clue referencing the 80s? Think DAN. Is it referencing 2000s comedy? Think EVAN. Is it referencing a 1980s-themed sitcom? Think ADAM.
Actionable Tips for Film Trivia and Crosswords
- Differentiate the Adams: Remember that Adam F. Goldberg (the "F" is important in his branding) is the The Goldbergs creator. Adam Goldberg (the actor) is the indie director.
- Associate Evan with Seth: They are a package deal. If you see "Rogen" anywhere in the clue, the answer is Evan.
- Note the Reitman Connection: If the clue mentions Ivan Reitman or Bill Murray, look for Dan Goldberg.
- Keep up with the trades: In 2026, Evan Goldberg's work on The Studio has made him a frequent answer in "current event" style puzzles.
Next time you see that "Goldberg" clue, you won't be stuck staring at blank boxes. You'll know exactly which branch of the Goldberg family tree the NYT is climbing. It's all about the context clues—and maybe a little bit of luck with the vowels.