Who plays the abusive jazz band director in the film, "Whiplash"?

Jonathan Kimble Simmons (born January 9, 1955) is an American actor. Considered one of the most eminent male character actors of his generation, his career spans over five decades of screen and stage. Simmons is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award and a Golden Globe Award for his supporting role in Damien Chazelle's independent film "Whiplash" (2014).

"Whiplash" is a 2014 American drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle based on his experiences in the Princeton High School Studio Band. The film stars Miles Teller as a student jazz drummer who seeks the respect of an abusive teacher played by J. K. Simmons. It also stars Paul Reiser and Melissa Benoist.

"Whiplash" premiered in-competition in the US Dramatic Category at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on January 16, 2014, as the festival's opening film. Sony Pictures Worldwide acquired the international distribution rights. The film was nominated for five awards at the 87th Academy Awards and won three for Best Supporting Actor (for Simmons), Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. Whiplash has received critical acclaim, with critics particularly praising the performances of Simmons and Teller and the film itself has gained a reputation as one of the best movies of 2014.