Benjamin G za Affleck-Boldt , better known as Ben Affleck, is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. He first came to attention for his performances in the Kevin Smith films Mallrats , Chasing Amy , and Dogma . In 1997, Affleck gained recognition as a writer when he won the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting , which he co-wrote and in which he co-starred with actor Matt Damon.