Diane Martell, Renowned Music Video Director, Passes Away at 63

Diane Martell, a prominent music video director known for her work with some of the biggest names in the industry over the last 30 years, died at the age of 63 due to cancer.

Her impressive roster of clients includes famous artists like Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, The Killers, Justin Timberlake, and Robin Thicke. She passed away in New York on Thursday, and her family shared a heartfelt statement with Rolling Stone.

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

Martell was the creative force behind Cyrus’ hugely successful video, “We Can’t Stop,” and “Blurred Lines” by Thicke, which drew considerable attention and controversy, becoming one of the most talked-about music videos of recent decades.

In a 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, she commented, “My work is on point right now.” She described her style as “provocative,” mixing elements of punk, rock and roll, and hip hop. “It’s passionate. We’re not advertising medicines,” she added.

Martell’s career took off in 1992 when she directed the music video for the hardcore hip-hop group Onyx’s “Throw Ya Gunz.” This was soon followed by work with New York rappers such as Method Man, Gang Starr, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, LL Cool J, and Keith Murray. She was also the director behind Carrie Underwood’s epic “Dream Rover” video, as well as “You’re What I Want for Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Her extensive catalog includes tracks like Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle” and “What a Girl Wants,” D’Angelo’s “Send It On,” and Khia’s “My Neck, My Back.” She also directed Justin Timberlake’s “I Love You,” Alicia Keys’ famous ballad “If I Ain’t Got You,” and the collaboration “Love Sex Magic” with Ciara.

Martell’s other notable projects include Britney Spears’ “3,” The Murderer’s “Reading My Mind,” The White Stripes’ “Conquest,” Nicki Minaj’s “Pills N Potions,” and The 1975’s “Try It For Yourself,” as well as Addison Rae’s “Attachment.”

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

The last music video she directed was Ciara’s “Ecstasy,” released in early 2025. Her family disclosed that she is survived by her aunt, Gail Merrifield Pup, along with her three beloved cats—Pokee, Popop, and Pompom—and many cherished lifelong friends.