Ann Hornaday, Washington Post Film Critic and Author, Dies at 66
Ann Hornaday, the longtime film critic for The Washington Post, has died at age 66 after a battle with glioblastoma. She served the publication for over two decades, earning a 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalist status and authoring the 2017 book 'Talking Pictures.' Her accessible reviews and mentorship left a lasting impact on film criticism.
Key points
- Hornaday died at her home in North Baltimore after a battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
- She was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for criticism in 2008 and served as The Washington Post's film critic from 2002 to 2025.
- Hornaday authored the 2017 book 'Talking Pictures: How to Watch Movies' and completed a posthumous book on 'All the President's Men' scheduled for 2028.
- She was known for her accessible, pretension-free reviews and her advocacy for women in the film industry.
- Hornaday is survived by her husband, two daughters, and a brother.
Background
Hornaday's career spanned several major newspapers, including the Austin American-Statesman and The Baltimore Sun, before joining The Washington Post in 2002. She was a prominent figure in film criticism, known for her thoughtful and accessible writing style. Her passing marks the end of a significant tenure in media criticism, where she balanced the enduring magic of film with its occasional disappointments for a national audience.
How outlets are covering it
IndieWire emphasizes Hornaday's role as a pioneering woman reviewer and her impact on the industry, noting her mentorship and the decline of daily newspaper film criticism. The Washington Post highlights her character and brilliance, describing her as a master of her craft and an evangelist for the movies she loved. The Hollywood Reporter focuses on her accessible reviews and her posthumous book on 'All the President's Men.' All sources agree on her significant contributions to film criticism and her warm, supportive nature.
Why it matters
Hornaday's death marks the end of an era in film criticism, as she was one of the few women critics in the industry and a prominent voice in the field. Her work and mentorship have left a lasting impact on the industry, and her passing highlights the challenges faced by women in film criticism.
What to watch
Hornaday's posthumous book on 'All the President's Men' is scheduled for release in 2028. The film industry and media will continue to remember her contributions and legacy.
- RIP Ann Hornaday, a Newspaper Film Critic Survivor IndieWire
- The essential Ann Hornaday: 10 works that capture the film critic’s brilliance The Washington Post
- Ann Hornaday, former Washington Post and Baltimore Sun film critic, dies at 66 The Baltimore Banner
- Ann Hornaday, Longtime Washington Post Film Critic, Dies at 66 The Hollywood Reporter
- Ann Hornaday Obituary Oct 18, 2026 Legacy | Obituary
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on IndieWire