In a significant achievement, Variety clinched 20 awards at the 18th annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, underscoring its stature in the realm of arts and entertainment reporting. This marks an impressive increase from last year’s haul and highlights the publication’s commitment to excellence in journalism. Among these accolades is the coveted Print Journalist of the Year award, positioning Variety at the forefront of the industry in 2025.
A Broad Spectrum of Wins
Variety excelled across numerous categories, reinforcing its versatility in delivering high-quality journalism. The awards spanned hard news, business reporting, commentary, criticism, photography, and cover art. The 20 first-place awards were the most secured by any print-based publication at the event, which is annually sponsored by the Los Angeles Press Club.
Leading Journalists Honored
Chief music critic and senior writer Chris Willman took home the Print Journalist of the Year award for the second consecutive time. Other notable winners include editor-at-large Kate Aurthur, international features editor Leo Barraclough, and chief correspondent Daniel D’Addario. Each of these journalists won first-place prizes for writing and reporting, showcasing Variety‘s depth of talent.
Exceptional Contributions in Visual Arts
The creative team at Variety, including visual director Jennifer Dorn and creative director Haley Kluge, was recognized for their outstanding work in art and photography. Their contributions, alongside those of Jennifer Halper, Emilio Madrid, Richard Maltz, and Joe Toreno, were pivotal in winning awards for cover art and photography, particularly their work on the Taylor Swift “Eras Tour” cover package.
Noteworthy Features and Commentary
Brent Lang won two significant awards, while Daniel D’Addario’s insight in theater criticism was acknowledged. Owen Gleiberman’s moving tribute to Val Kilmer earned him the prize for best obituary in film personalities. Through these honors, Variety demonstrates its commitment to impactful storytelling across multiple platforms.
Additional Recognitions
Michael Schneider was recognized for his hard-hitting reporting on the impact of wildfires in Los Angeles. Clayton Davis, Matt Donnelly, and Naman Ramachandran also received awards for their insightful analyses and profiles. Their contributions illustrate Variety‘s dedication to covering pivotal topics in entertainment.
During the ceremony at the Millennium Biltmore, honorary awards were bestowed on luminaries like Paul Anka and Larry Mantle. Anka concluded the event with a special rendition of “My Way,” celebrating the achievements of the award recipients.
