Diane Martell, Renowned Music Video Director, Dies at 63

Diane Martell, a highly regarded music video director known for her work with some of the biggest names in the industry over the past 30 years, has passed away due to cancer at the age of 63.

Her roster of clients features stars like Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, The Killers, Justin Timberlake, and Robin Thicke. She died in New York on Thursday, and her family shared a statement regarding her passing.

“Diane passed away peacefully at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, surrounded by friends and family after a long battle with breast cancer,” the family noted.

Martell directed Cyrus’ hit “We Can’t Stop” and was behind the controversial “Blurred Lines” by Thicke, which sparked significant debate and remains one of the most talked-about videos of recent decades.

“My work is on point right now,” she said in a 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, reflecting on her collaboration with Cyrus and Thicke. “I have to admit that I’m provocative. It’s punk, rock and roll—it’s passionate. We’re not advertising medicines,” she explained.

Her journey in music video direction began in 1992 with the first video for the hardcore hip-hop group Onyx, “Throw Ya Gunz.” This was quickly followed by collaborations with other notable artists like Method Man, Gang Starr, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, LL Cool J, and Keith Murray. Martell also directed Carrie’s memorable “Dream Rover” video and several others.

Her impressive body of work includes Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle,” D’Angelo’s “Send It On,” and Khia’s “My Neck, My Back.” She contributed to Justin Timberlake’s “I Love You,” Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You,” and Ciara’s “Love Sex Magic.”

Additionally, Martell worked on Britney Spears’ “3,” the Murderers’ “Reading My Mind,” and Nicki Minaj’s “Pills N Potions.” Other projects included the White Stripes’ “Conquest” and The 1975’s “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know).”

Apart from music videos, she ventured into filmmaking, visiting Harlan J. Strauss at the University of Oregon in 2022, where she directed community events and taught music video production.

The last music video she directed was Ciara’s “Ecstasy,” released in early 2025.

In their statement, her family mentioned her surviving relatives and friends, including her aunt, her three cherished cats, and many lifelong friends.