Ann Hornaday, Pulitzer Finalist and Washington Post Film Critic, Dies at 66

Key points

• Hornaday died on October 18 at her home in Baltimore after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
• She joined The Washington Post in 2002 and remained until taking a buyout in 2025, serving as chief film critic for 23 years.
• Her career included stints at the Austin American-Statesman and Baltimore Sun, as well as freelance work for The New York Times and Premiere.
• She was a 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalist in criticism, submitting her review of 'There Will Be Blood' among other works.
• Hornaday authored 'Talking Pictures' and completed a manuscript on the filming of 'All the President's Men' shortly before her health declined.
• She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Dennis Greenia, their daughter Victoria, a stepdaughter, and a brother.

Background

Hornaday’s passing marks the end of a significant era in daily newspaper film criticism. Our archive notes that she was a pioneer for women in the field, having started her career in 1995 when few women held such roles. She was known for outlasting many peers who moved to freelance or digital platforms, maintaining a consistent presence in print media for over two decades. Her work often focused on the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the intersection of reality and fabrication in cinema.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and The Washington Post emphasize her professional legacy, highlighting her 2008 Pulitzer finalist status and her ability to make film criticism accessible to general readers. The Hollywood Reporter, through a personal essay by Steven Zeitchik, focuses on her interpersonal warmth, describing her as a 'deep mensch' who treated colleagues like family and provided emotional support during industry crises. IndieWire frames her as a survivor of the declining newspaper criticism landscape, noting her role as a mentor and her advocacy for women in the field. While Variety and The Post focus on her critical output, The Hollywood Reporter and IndieWire highlight her character and the impact she had on the people around her, with IndieWire specifically noting her recent book on 'All the President's Men' as a final testament to her craft.

Why it matters

Hornaday’s death signals the potential end of an era for traditional daily newspaper film criticism, as noted by IndieWire. Her long tenure and high-profile recognition, including a Pulitzer finalist status, underscore the value of sustained, in-depth criticism in a media landscape increasingly dominated by freelance and digital platforms. Her work helped bridge the gap between academic film analysis and general audience understanding, making cinema accessible to a broad readership for over 20 years.

What to watch

Hornaday’s unfinished book on the filming of 'All the President's Men' is tentatively scheduled for release in 2028, according to IndieWire. The Washington Post has published a tribute from Executive Editor Matt Murray, and various industry figures are sharing memories of her contributions. The entertainment industry is expected to continue honoring her legacy through tributes and discussions on the future of film criticism in the digital age.