Ann Hornaday, Washington Post's Chief Film Critic, Dies at 66
Ann Hornaday, the longtime chief film critic for The Washington Post, died on October 18 at her home in Baltimore at the age of 66. Known for championing the craft of filmmaking and helping readers navigate the complexities of cinema, Hornaday was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and the author of a book dedicated to the art of watching movies. 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.
Key points
- Ann Hornaday died on October 18, 2026, at her home in Baltimore.
- She was 66 years old at the time of her death.
- Hornaday served as the chief film critic for The Washington Post for many years.
- She was recognized as a Pulitzer Prize finalist during her career.
- She authored a book focused on the technique and appreciation of watching movies.
- Her role involved guiding readers through the craft of filmmaking and the emotional range of cinema.
Background
The Washington Post has recently seen changes in its critical staff, including the appointment of Elazar Sontag as the new food critic in late 2025, who replaced Tom Sietsema. Sontag's recent top 40 restaurant list highlighted a shift in coverage focus toward the District of Columbia. In the film sector, recent critical discourse has been dominated by polarized reviews of Ben Affleck's Netflix thriller 'Animals,' which premiered in October 2026. Hornaday's departure adds to a period of transition for the publication's arts and entertainment coverage, following other notable losses in the media and entertainment sectors, such as the death of adult performer LuLu LoveBottom in September 2026.
Why it matters
Ann Hornaday's death marks the end of a defining era in American film criticism. As a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author, she shaped how a major national audience understood the technical and artistic aspects of cinema. Her work bridged the gap between complex filmmaking craft and general readership, influencing how movies were perceived and discussed in the public sphere. Her legacy continues to resonate in the standards of film journalism and the appreciation of the medium's enduring magic.
What to watch
The Washington Post is expected to announce a successor for the chief film critic position, a role that has been central to the publication's arts coverage. The media community may look to honor Hornaday's contributions through retrospectives or tributes, particularly given her status as a Pulitzer finalist. Readers and industry professionals may reflect on her written works, including her book on watching movies, as a guide to film appreciation in the post-Hornaday era.
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