Variety Garners 62 Nominations at Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards
Entertainment

Variety Garners 62 Nominations at Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards

authorBy Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
DateOct 28, 2026
Read Time3 min

Variety's exceptional contributions to arts and entertainment journalism have been recognized with a staggering 62 nominations for the 19th annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club. This extensive acknowledgment spans multiple categories, celebrating the depth and breadth of the publication's talent and influence within the industry.

The distinguished nominations include Chris Willman for Print Journalist of the Year and Ethan Shanfeld for Online Journalist of the Year, underscoring their significant impact. Furthermore, several Variety critics and writers have garnered multiple nods, demonstrating the widespread excellence across the editorial team.

Acknowledged Excellence in Journalism and Criticism

Variety's formidable presence at the upcoming Los Angeles Press Club's 19th annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards is marked by a remarkable 62 nominations. This impressive tally reflects the publication's consistent delivery of high-quality, insightful, and comprehensive coverage across the arts and entertainment spectrum. Among the standout recognitions, Chris Willman has been nominated for Print Journalist of the Year, while Ethan Shanfeld is a contender for Online Journalist of the Year, affirming their individual journalistic prowess and dedication. The broad range of nominations underscores Variety's commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence, solidifying its position as a leading voice in the cultural landscape.

Beyond the top journalist awards, Variety's critical voices have also received significant attention. Owen Gleiberman earned nominations for his work as a film critic and music critic, showcasing his versatile analytical skills. Daniel D’Addario was recognized for his insightful theater and performing arts criticism. Chris Willman further distinguished himself with nominations for music critic, online columnist, and print columnist, highlighting his prolific and impactful contributions. These accolades collectively paint a picture of a publication celebrated for its analytical depth, critical acumen, and consistent ability to capture the essence of the vibrant arts and entertainment world, covering everything from film and television to music and performing arts with unparalleled expertise.

Celebrating Notable Features and Photography

The nominations also spotlight several impactful cover stories from Variety, acknowledging the editorial team's ability to produce compelling narratives that resonate with readers. Features such as Daniel D’Addario’s piece on Jodie Foster, Trish Deitch’s profile of Jamie Lee Curtis, Ethan Shanfeld’s interview with Miley Cyrus, and D’Addario’s coverage of Charlie Hunnam have all been recognized. These stories exemplify Variety's commitment to in-depth reporting and its capacity to engage with prominent figures in the industry, offering unique perspectives and exclusive insights. Such recognition underscores the editorial team's skill in crafting engaging content that captures the attention of both industry insiders and the general public, further cementing Variety's reputation for influential journalism.

In the realm of visual storytelling, Daniel Doperalski received a nomination for his portrait photograph featured in Variety’s “KPop Demon Hunters” cover, showcasing the publication's strong commitment to visual excellence. Ethan Shanfeld also garnered additional nominations for his detailed reported features, including his article on the “Baywatch” casting process for TV Industry Feature and his investigative piece on the Diddy Trial for Music/Performing Arts Industry Feature. These nominations highlight the diverse talents within Variety, from compelling writing to captivating photography, all contributing to a rich and dynamic journalistic output. The winners will be announced at the Art & Entertainment Journalism Awards on December 6 at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, an event that will also honor Brandi Carlile with the Humanitarian Award, following Variety's 20 wins at last year’s ceremony.

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