Variety's remarkable achievements were on full display at the 17th annual National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards. With 14 first-place wins, including prestigious trophies for print journalist of the year, film critic, investigative reporting, and news photo, the organization truly shone. The ceremony held at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles was a night to remember.

Unparalleled Success at the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards

Chris Willman's Impressive Print Journalist of the Year Honor

Chris Willman, the chief music critic and senior features editor, truly packed a punch with his four wins. His singular voice and prolific output were recognized as he earned the print journalist of the year honor. He was specifically commended for his film criticism under 1,000 words, demonstrating his exceptional talent in this area. Additionally, his action photo of Brandi Carlisle in concert in 2023 was also highly regarded and won him a top award. His music-related commentary, such as "Jason Aldean Already had the Most Contemptible Country Song of the Decade: The Video is Worse," further showcased his expertise and unique perspective.

Willman's work stands out as a testament to his dedication and skill in the field of entertainment journalism. His ability to capture the essence of various aspects of the industry through his writing and photography is truly remarkable.

Tatiana Siegel's Dominance in Investigative Categories

Tatiana Siegel, the executive editor of film and media, also had an outstanding night. She won two top investigative categories, including entertainment industry investigative for "Inside the Battle for CNN: Jeff Zucker, Chris Licht and 18 Months of Backstabbing" and celebrity investigative for "Crisis at Marvel: Jonathan Majors Back-up Plans, ‘The Marvels’ Reshoots, Reviving Original Avengers."

Siegel's investigative work delves deep into the inner workings of the entertainment industry, uncovering important stories and shedding light on issues that often go unnoticed. Her dedication to uncovering the truth and presenting it in a compelling manner is highly respected in the field.

Owen Gleiberman's Recognition in Obituary/Appreciation

Chief film critic Owen Gleiberman was recognized for his obituary/appreciation for film personalities with "Remembering Piper Laurie in ‘Carrie’ and ‘The Hustler.’" His ability to pay tribute to the lives and careers of these influential figures in the film industry is a testament to his deep understanding and appreciation of cinema.

Gleiberman's work in this area showcases his ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level and provide a meaningful tribute to the legends of the silver screen. His words carry a weight and significance that is truly appreciated by fans and fellow journalists alike.

Katcy Stephan's Film Industry Feature Under 1,000 Words

Film and media reporter Katcy Stephan won for her film industry feature under 1,000 words: "Movie Pass, Movie Crash: Founder Stacy Spikes on Mitch Lowe, Racism and Where the Company Stands Today." Her ability to distill complex issues into a concise and engaging piece of writing is truly impressive.

Stephan's work highlights the important issues within the film industry and provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by various players. Her writing is both informative and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the industry.

Jem Aswad's Soft News, Music and Arts Related Win

Jem Aswad, executive editor of music, won for his retrospective: "Why David Bowie Killed Ziggy Stardust, 50 Years Ago Today." His in-depth exploration of this significant event in music history showcases his passion and knowledge of the genre.

Aswad's work allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural impact of David Bowie and his iconic character Ziggy Stardust. His writing is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, capturing the essence of an era.

Brent Lang's Feature Covering Diversity in Film and TV

Brent Lang, executive editor, won for his feature covering diversity in film and TV for "Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on Her revealing Dian von Furstenberg Documentary and Directing a ‘Star Wars’ Movie." His focus on diversity within the industry is crucial in today's changing landscape.

Lang's work highlights the importance of representation and the stories of underrepresented voices in film and TV. His efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion are highly commendable.

Contributor Pamela Chelin's Celebrity Feature Online

Contributor Pamela Chelin took the win for celebrity feature online for "Martin Scorsese Hosts Robbie Robertson Tribute Concert." Her ability to capture the essence of such a significant event and present it in an engaging online format is truly impressive.

Chelin's work showcases her ability to connect with the audience on a digital platform and provide them with exclusive content. Her writing is both timely and relevant, making it a popular read among Variety's online followers.

Dan Doperalski's Celebrity Portrait Win

Digital design director Dan Doperalski took home a trophy for celebrity portrait for capturing "Lawman: Bass Reeves" star David Oyelowo. His ability to capture the essence and personality of the subject through his photography is truly remarkable.

Doperalski's work as a digital design director adds a visual dimension to Variety's coverage. His portraits are not only beautiful but also tell a story, enhancing the overall experience for the readers.

Michael Buckner's News Photo Win

Longtime contributor Michael Buckner won for news photo for his shot of Fran Drescher on Day 1 of the SAG-AFTRA strike that graced the cover of the July 19, 2023, print edition of Variety. His ability to capture a significant moment in history through his photography is truly remarkable.

Buckner's news photo not only tells a story but also serves as a visual record of an important event. His work as a contributor to Variety has been instrumental in documenting the industry's milestones.

Clayton Davis' Commentary on TV Industry Trend

Senior awards editor Clayton Davis won for commentary TV industry trend for ‘Love on the Spectrum’ is Showing Me Examples of How my Autistic Son Could be as an Adult – and It’s Amazing.” His commentary provides valuable insights into the TV industry and its impact on society.

Davis' work in this area shows his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level and provide them with a unique perspective. His writing is both thought-provoking and inspiring.