Milana Vayntrub is an Uzbekistan-born director, writer, and actor whose work blends sharp comedic timing with genuine heart—and often, a healthy dose of weird.

Her unique blend of humor and heart has helped create successful campaigns for companies such as AT&T, Voya, CeraVe and (most impressively) Cracker Barrel Cheese.

The UCB alum began her career making her own digital content, including viral content for YouTube and CollegeHumor. Along with her work behind the camera, Milana has appeared in numerous film and television roles, and is widely known for her portrayal as Lily, the eternally enthusiastic AT&T employee, appearing in over 40 spots as a spokesperson for the brand.

As a former refugee herself, Milana is a vocal activist for immigrants’ rights. Her award-winning documentary Can’t Do Nothing, which follows Syrian refugees landing on Greek shores, captured the world’s attention in 2016. The film spotlighted the European migrant crisis, sparked a social media movement, and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in refugee aid.

Today, Milana continues to focus on telling stories about immigrant communities, making people laugh, and raising a kid in a world that’s safe, equitable, and truly weird.

Her short film Pickled Herring premiered at the 2023 Indy Shorts International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Choice Award. In March 2025, she premiered her latest short Booties at the Cinequest Film Festival, where it won Best Narrative Short Film: Comedy. In May, it was awarded Best Rom-Com at the HollyShorts Comedy Festival.