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Film Criticism's End? A Legend's Farewell
20 Oct
Summary
- Ann Hornaday, a pioneering film critic, passed away at 66.
- Her career spanned decades, influencing film discourse.
- A posthumous book on 'All the President's Men' is upcoming.
Washington Post film critic Ann Hornaday died on Monday at the age of 66 after a battle with brain cancer. Her passing marks a poignant moment for the field of daily newspaper film criticism, a domain she navigated with distinction for decades.
Hornaday, a former Pulitzer Prize finalist, was celebrated for her accessible writing style and thoughtful engagement with cinema and its creators. Her 2017 book, "Talking Pictures," offered insights into filmmaking through conversations with directors and actors.
She championed films like Ridley Scott's "Thelma and Louise," drawing parallels to broader societal themes, particularly concerning women's experiences and agency.
Born in Iowa City in 1960, Hornaday's career included stints at Ms. Magazine, the Austin American-Statesman, and the Baltimore Sun before she joined The Washington Post in 2002, where she remained for 23 years before taking a buyout in 2025.
She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Greenia, their daughter Victoria, and stepdaughter Leila. Her final project, a book detailing the behind-the-scenes story of "All the President's Men," is expected to be published in 2028.
