Brief
Washington Post film critic Ann Hornaday dies at 66
The veteran critic passed away after a battle with brain cancer, leaving a legacy of insightful reviews and a book on film watching.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ann Hornaday, the longtime film critic for The Washington Post, died on Sunday at her Baltimore home after battling glioblastoma, the outlet reported.
Hornaday joined the Post in 2002 and left in 2025, writing hundreds of reviews and profiles, including pieces on "The Hurt Locker," "Jaws" and "Oppenheimer." She was a 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalist for criticism, submitting her review of "There Will Be Blood" among other works.
Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray said Hornaday’s voice was "informed, insightful, warm, accessible and totally unique," adding that reading her work felt like talking with a knowledgeable friend.
Hornaday also authored the book "Talking Pictures" and was working on a book about the filming of "All the President’s Men" before her death. She previously worked as a freelance writer, at Ms. Magazine as Gloria Steinem’s assistant, and as a critic for the Baltimore Sun and Austin American‑Statesman.
She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Dennis Greenia, their daughter Victoria, stepdaughter Leila, and brother William Hornaday III.
Key facts
- Ann Hornaday died at age 66 in Baltimore from glioblastoma. (variety.com)
- She spent more than 20 years at The Washington Post, joining in 2002 and leaving in 2025. (variety.com)
- Hornaday was a 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalist for criticism. (variety.com)
- She authored "Talking Pictures" and was working on a book about "All the President’s Men". (variety.com)
- Survived by husband Dennis Greenia, daughter Victoria, stepdaughter Leila, and brother William Hornaday III. (variety.com)
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “Ann Hornaday, Longtime Washington Post Film Critic and Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Dies at 66”
