Variety Magazine Dominates SoCal Journalism Awards with Record-Breaking Wins
Variety Magazine made a big splash at the SoCal Journalism Awards, taking home a whopping 16 first-place awards, more than any other entertainment outlet. This impressive haul doubled Variety’s tally from the previous year, setting a new high mark for the publication at the prestigious awards ceremony. The event, which took place at the Millennium Biltmore in Los Angeles and was attended by over 550 journalists, honored work published during the 2024 calendar year. Variety went into the night with an impressive 93 nominations in 56 categories.
Among the standout wins for Variety were a top trophy for Best Website for Variety.com, as well as the coveted title of Entertainment Journalist of the Year, which was awarded to Chris Willman. Willman, a senior writer and chief music critic for Variety, also took home three additional awards for Best Magazine Columnist, Best Music Feature, and Best Theater Feature.
The magazine’s art and photography department also shined, with creative director Haley Kluge and photo director Jennifer Dorn receiving multiple honors for their outstanding work. From Best Portrait Photo to Best Cover Art and Best Page Design, Variety’s visual storytelling was recognized for its excellence.
Other notable winners from Variety included Chief Film Critic Owen Gleiberman, Chief Correspondent Daniel D’Addario, and Executive Editor for Film/Media Tatiana Siegel, among others. The publication’s staff and contributors showcased their talent and dedication to quality journalism, earning accolades in various categories ranging from personality profiles to entertainment news and film features.
The evening also saw the presentation of honorary awards to veteran newspeople and celebrities for their contributions to journalism and philanthropy. Notable honorees included Los Angeles Times sports columnist Bill Plaschke, who received the Joseph M. Quinn Award for lifetime achievement, and CNN’s Clarissa Ward, who was awarded the Daniel Pearl Award for courage and integrity in journalism.
Overall, Variety’s impressive showing at the SoCal Journalism Awards solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. With a record-breaking number of wins and a talented team of journalists and creatives behind them, Variety continues to set the bar high for excellence in journalism.
The L.A. Press Club, which hosts the SoCal Journalism Awards, also produces the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, a national event that honors journalists from across the country. The upcoming ceremony will take place at the Biltmore on December 7th, showcasing even more exceptional talent in the field of arts and entertainment journalism.
