By Jia Lissa 
The Los Angeles Press Club has unveiled the finalists for its 19th annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism (NAEJ) Awards, and Variety has once again asserted its dominance in the media landscape. With a staggering 62 nominations across a vast spectrum of categories, the publication continues to demonstrate its unparalleled breadth, depth, and influence in covering the entertainment industry. From hard-hitting investigative journalism to nuanced cultural criticism, Variety’s reach into the heart of Hollywood and beyond remains unparalleled.
The prestigious awards, which celebrate excellence in the coverage of film, television, music, and the broader arts, will culminate in a gala ceremony on December 6 at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. This year’s event will also feature the presentation of the Humanitarian Award to musician and activist Brandi Carlile, further underscoring the prestige of the gathering.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Top Honors
At the core of Variety’s success this year are the nominations for the most coveted individual titles. Longtime contributor Chris Willman, a staple of the publication’s music and cultural coverage, has been named a finalist for Print Journalist of the Year. Simultaneously, Ethan Shanfeld, whose incisive reporting has captured the zeitgeist of modern digital-first entertainment, is in the running for Online Journalist of the Year.
These nominations are not merely honors for individual reporters; they represent a corporate commitment to journalistic rigor in an era where digital noise often obscures substantive reporting. The recognition reflects the sheer volume and quality of content produced by the publication’s editorial staff throughout the past year.
Chronology of Recognition: A Year of Impactful Reporting
The 62 nominations span a diverse range of work, highlighting the multi-platform strategy Variety has perfected.
The Art of Criticism
Criticism remains a cornerstone of the Variety identity. Owen Gleiberman, a veteran voice in film and music analysis, has secured nominations in both the Film Critic (over 1,000 words) and Music Critic categories. His ability to synthesize complex cinematic shifts with the immediacy of music culture remains a gold standard. Joining him in the recognition for critical excellence is Daniel D’Addario, who has been nominated for his astute theater and performing arts criticism.
Cover Stories and Investigative Features
The publication’s marquee cover stories dominated the nomination lists. The editorial team’s ability to secure intimate, long-form interviews with industry icons proved to be a major factor in the jury’s decisions. Notable finalists include:
- Daniel D’Addario’s exploration of Jodie Foster’s career and her relationship with the modern studio system.
- Trish Deitch’s deep dive into the four-decade legacy of Jamie Lee Curtis.
- Ethan Shanfeld’s expansive interview with Miley Cyrus regarding the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana.
- Daniel D’Addario’s chilling profile of Charlie Hunnam’s transformation for his role in Ryan Murphy’s Monster.
Beyond profiles, Variety’s investigative prowess was recognized through Ethan Shanfeld’s reporting on the "Diddy Trial circus," which captured the chaotic intersection of public spectacle and judicial proceedings, and his detailed look into the logistical madness of a Baywatch casting call.
Supporting Data: Breadth Across Categories
The sheer volume of Variety’s presence on the ballot is a testament to its editorial structure. The nominations are categorized into Print, Online, Photography, and Broadcast, showcasing the publication’s "any-media" approach.
Photography and Visual Storytelling
Daniel Doperalski earned a nomination for Portrait Photo in the Music/Theater/Arts category for his evocative capture of the women behind KPop Demon Hunters. The image serves as a reminder that Variety’s excellence is not limited to the written word but extends to the visual narrative that defines modern celebrity culture.
Industry Analysis and Business Reporting
A significant portion of the nominations focus on the business of entertainment—the "industry behind the industry."
- Business Reporting: Brent Lang and Ethan Shanfeld’s collaborative look at Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro’s efforts to stabilize the House of Mouse, and Brian Steinberg’s investigation into the structural shifts at CBS News, highlight the publication’s role as a primary source for corporate industry watchers.
- Trend Analysis: From Chris Willman’s critiques of the "phony" music biopic trend to Antonio Ferme’s analysis of the political undercurrents at the Sundance Film Festival, the staff consistently provides the context required to understand why the industry is moving in certain directions.
Official Responses and Editorial Philosophy
The editorial leadership at Variety views these 62 nominations as validation of their ongoing pivot toward deeper, more analytical content in a crowded market. The publication’s consistent performance—following a successful haul of 20 awards at last year’s NAEJ ceremony—suggests a repeatable formula for success: combine high-access interviews with rigorous, objective reporting and sophisticated cultural criticism.
"Our goal is to be the definitive voice of the industry," an editorial representative noted. "Whether we are covering the delicate balance of an Oscar campaign, the tectonic shifts in streaming economics, or the personal evolution of a global pop icon, we aim to provide the kind of reporting that informs, challenges, and respects the reader’s intelligence."
The Los Angeles Press Club, which oversees the awards, has historically focused on the intersection of local industry impact and national journalistic standards. For Variety, which is based in the heart of Los Angeles but serves a global audience, this alignment is particularly meaningful.
Implications: What This Means for Industry Journalism
The dominance of Variety in these nominations signals a broader trend in entertainment media: the triumph of long-form, authoritative journalism over click-bait culture. In an environment where social media often dictates the speed of news, these nominations celebrate the "slow" work—the 2,500-word profiles, the deep-dive investigations, and the long-term trend analysis that requires hours of interviewing and fact-checking.
Furthermore, the diversity of the nominations—covering everything from K-Pop to the Diddy trial, from the business of indie film to the ethics of true-crime podcasting—demonstrates that Variety is successfully expanding its remit beyond traditional Hollywood studio news. By covering the "manosphere," the intricacies of tech-driven microdramas, and the environmental impact of film production, the publication is evolving alongside its audience.
The Road to December 6
As the industry turns its eyes toward the Biltmore Hotel, the conversation will undoubtedly shift toward the results of these nominations. However, for the staff at Variety, the work continues. The nomination list itself serves as a summary of a year in which the publication acted as the industry’s primary record-keeper.
Whether the night results in another haul of 20-plus trophies or a record-breaking performance, the takeaway for the broader media landscape is clear: when it comes to covering the complexities of entertainment, Variety remains the publication to beat. The 19th annual NAEJ Awards will serve as both a celebration of the past year’s achievements and a benchmark for what is expected in the year to come.
As the industry faces new challenges—from the integration of AI in filmmaking to the ongoing volatility of the streaming model—the role of the entertainment journalist has never been more critical. Through their work, the nominees from Variety are ensuring that the stories behind the screens are told with the precision, empathy, and integrity they deserve.
Dwi Wanna 
Layla Zulfa 
Ali Ikhwan 