Variety Dominates National Arts Journalism Awards with 20 First-Place Trophies

Variety won 20 first-place trophies at the 18th annual National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards, up from the 14 the publication scored in last year's competition. The awards, sponsored by the Los Angeles Press Club, recognized outstanding work published during 2024-25 across a wide spectrum of categories, including hard news and business reporting, commentary and criticism, photography, and cover art. The publication's success was acknowledged by its editor, who stated, "We are thrilled to receive this recognition from our peers in the industry. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team of journalists and editors who strive to deliver the highest quality content to our readers." Variety's editor noted that the publication's diverse range of categories and topics allowed it to stand out in the competition. Variety's wins were spread across various categories, including business reporting, where the publication's in-depth coverage of the entertainment industry's financial landscape was praised by judges. The publication's commentary and criticism section also received recognition for its thought-provoking pieces on the intersection of art and culture. The National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards have been recognizing excellence in arts and entertainment journalism for nearly two decades. The awards ceremony, held annually in Los Angeles, brings together journalists, editors, and industry professionals to celebrate outstanding work in the field. Industry experts and journalists praised Variety's win, citing the publication's commitment to in-depth reporting and its ability to cover a wide range of topics. "Variety's success is a reflection of the publication's dedication to delivering high-quality content to its readers," said a prominent journalist. "Their wins are a testament to the importance of arts and entertainment journalism in today's media landscape." The 20 first-place trophies won by Variety are the most for any print-based publication in the 2025 contest. The publication's editor expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "We are proud to be part of a community of journalists who strive to deliver the best possible content to our readers."