News

Rolling Stone announced the appointment of Sean Woods and Shirley Halperin as its new co-editors in chief today. Woods, Rolling Stone’s longtime executive editor, steps into the role effective immediately and will continue to be based in New York. Halperin, a veteran music journalist and co-editor in chief of The Hollywood Reporter, will assume her new position on Sept. 1, serving as both co-editor in chief and head of music, and splitting her time between New York and Los Angeles. Together, Halperin and Woods will work closely with Rolling Stone...

Shirley Halperin is departing The Hollywood Reporter to become co-editor-in-chief of Rolling Stone — the first woman to fill that role in the brand’s 60-year legacy. Maer Roshan, THR’s co-editor, is staying on as the magazine’s sole editor-in-chief.

Halperin, a veteran music journalist and editor, will lead Rolling Stone’s music coverage alongside Sean Woods, the title’s longtime executive editor, who is being promoted to co-editor-in-chief. Halperin starts her new role on Sept. 1, serving as both co-editor-in-chief and head of music, and will split her time between New York and Los Angeles. Woods, who will step into his new role effective immediately, will remain based in the brand’s New York headquarters. The duo will work closely with Rolling Stone’s recently appointed CEO, Julian Holguin, to shape the brand’s editorial direction.

“Sean and Shirley are unmatched in their expertise and passion for storytelling, and their...

Elaine Welteroth and Bradley Whitford will join newly announced speakers Dolores Huerta and Diego Mariscal at the second annual Social Impact Summit: Philanthropy, Power and Purpose, taking place July 24 in Los Angeles.

Hosted by The Hollywood Reporter and the Social Impact Fund, and presented by Gilead Sciences, the summit brings together changemakers, creatives and leaders across industries to inspire accessible, inclusive philanthropy by breaking down barriers to meaningful change.

Welteroth — journalist, author and founder of birthFUND — will moderate “Who Runs the World? Trailblazers in Women’s Health and Wellness,” a conversation featuring Olympic track and field champion and Black maternal health advocate Allyson Felix; globally renowned fitness instructor and Nko Club and Nko Fund founder Kendall Toole; SisterLove founder and global sexual and reproductive justice advocate Dázon Dixon Diallo; and Deborah Wafer, executive director of public affairs at Gilead Sciences. The group will explore themes including wellness, mental health, sexual health and Black maternal health.

George Lopez will keynote the second annual Social Impact Summit, taking place July 24 in Los Angeles.

The event, hosted by the Social Impact Fund and The Hollywood Reporter and sponsored by biopharmaceutical company Gilead, convenes changemakers, creative professionals and leaders across industries to inspire accessible, impactful philanthropy by breaking down barriers to meaningful change.

As previously announced, honorees at the event will be Sean Penn and Ann Lee, co-founders of Core, or Community Organized Relief Effort, which has been named Philanthropic Organization of the Year; and John Legend, named Philanthropist of the Year for his longtime work to advance equity and criminal justice reform.

In addition to Lopez, others speakers confirmed for this year’s event include:

Allyson Felix, Olympic track and field champion, and Black maternal health advocate Kendall Toole, fitness instructor and founder of Nko Club and The Nko Fund, which seeks to empower community and destigmatize mental...

The Hollywood Reporter partnered up with GLAAD for the Celebration of Pride ’25 party Wednesday night that brought a slew of guests from the LGBTQ community and allies to West Hollywood.

Several stars stopped by the celebration, presented by Paramount+ FYC at Sunset at Edition, to dance, chat and, most important, gather as a community — something GLAAD’s Anthony Allen Ramos emphasized was critical. “I think more than ever it’s important to be loud and proud and vocal,” Ramos told THR before the large crowd gathered at the event, which also served as a celebration of GLAAD’s 40th year.

“The more that we can come together during Pride and remind the world that we are just like everyone else, we are everyday people, but we’re also super creative when it comes to the work that we do in the entertainment industry and beyond,” he added. “It’s unfortunate...

A star-studded lineup of talent returned for the new season of Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter.

The Emmy-nominated series debuted new episodes in May and June on IFC that were available to stream the same day on AMC+.

Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter showcases five categories of Emmy contenders, featuring themed episodes for Drama Actress, Drama Actor, Comedy Actress, Comedy Actor and Stand-Up. Moderated by THR’s Lacey Rose and Mikey O’Connell, the series is known for its sharp, unfiltered roundtable format, delivering honest, insightful and often hilarious conversations about the craft and chaos of working in television. But what truly sets Off Script apart is its unmatched ability to curate a who’s who of Hollywood who rarely, if ever, share the same stage.

Closely timed with each episode’s premiere, THR released digital covers, in-depth features, and full video cuts of each roundtable on THR.

Sean Penn and Ann Lee, co-founders of Core, and John Legend will be honored at the second annual Social Impact Summit in partnership with the Social Impact Fund, set for on July 24.

The event, co-hosted by the Social Impact Fund and The Hollywood Reporter, aims to inspire accessible and impactful philanthropy by breaking down barriers to meaningful change.

This half-day summit will bring together more than 500 culture makers, production companies, talent agencies and notable figures from the entertainment and creative industries and beyond. The program will explore the dynamic evolution of philanthropy, emerging trends with charitable giving and navigating challenges to make impact possible.

Penn and Lee will be honored for their work with Core, or Community Organized Relief Effort, as Philanthropic Organization of the Year. Lee serves as CEO of the global humanitarian response organization, which is dedicated to empowering underserved communities in and beyond crisis. The organization’s...

Margaret Atwood recalls MGM’s straight-to-series order in 2016 to adapt her dystopian classic novel The Handmaid’s Tale as a Hulu series as being a touch risky.

“It was a gamble. And the gamble paid off. Anybody approaching me earlier who said we wanted to make a film about The Handmaid’s Tale, I would have said, ‘Who’s going to watch that?’” she told the second annual Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada gala at the Ritz Carlton in Toronto on Thursday.

“When it came out, a certain number of people felt it was illuminating because, surely, the United States would never, ever do such things,” the acerbic Canadian author, poet and activist said as she picked up the Icon Award at the Ritz Carlton. She talked about the success in adapting her 1985 dystopian novel just as Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale has reached the climax for its sixth and final season,...

The Hollywood Reporter has opened a new front in Canada with the launch of a new event, the Access Canada Summit, set to run during the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.

The Canadian industry conference, set to run Sept. 8-10, will focus on the Canadian media and entertainment industry. The event will be produced by Access Canada, the producer of The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada event, now in its second year and set for May 29 in Toronto.

“We’re so thrilled to partner with Access Canada during, fittingly, the Toronto International Film Festival to bring fresh ideas and thought leadership among the industry insiders who create, distribute, stream, release and invest in content that drives culture and the conversation in Canada, one of the most thriving entertainment markets in the world,” The Hollywood Reporter co-editors-in-chief, Shirley Halperin and Maer Roshan, said in a joint statement.

The inaugural Access...

The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday announced the addition of two powerhouse talents to its editorial team: Ada Guerin as creative director and Tony Maglio as television editor.

Guerin, a multi-disciplinary and award-winning creative director with more than two decades of experience, will oversee the look and feel of multiple editorial properties for the brand, including the weekly magazine, awards specials, website, video and social channels. She will be based in Los Angeles.

Maglio, a respected television journalist and editor, will oversee THR’s television coverage across the portfolio. He will be based in New York.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ada and Tony to THR,” said Maer Roshan and Shirley Halperin, co-editors-in-chief of The Hollywood Reporter. “Ada’s keen design sense and multimedia experience will continue to solidify THR as a pre-eminent platform for the top photographers and illustrators in the world.

“Tony’s years of expertise and rich contacts...

The Hollywood Reporter is set to debut a Spanish-language edition in partnership with Tasty Media.

As part of a multiyear licensing deal, The Hollywood Reporter en Español will offer original content highlighting the best in Ibero-American cinema and television for Spanish-speaking readers.

“Expanding our best-in-class editorial to markets outside the United States has been a major priority for the THR brand,” said Shirley Halperin, co-editor-in-chief at The Hollywood Reporter. “We’re excited to have The Hollywood Reporter en Español join us in the endeavor of delivering impactful entertainment news to Spanish-speaking readers throughout the Americas, Europe and beyond.”

“We are thrilled to expand The Hollywood Reporter‘s footprint across Latin America and Spain,” added Alison Smith-Pleiser, vice president international, THR. “This initiative allows us to celebrate and highlight the rich tapestry of Hispanic culture through original content while delivering culturally relevant journalism to Spanish speaking audiences. We are excited to...

In strategic moves that demonstrate The Hollywood Reporter’s dominance in the awards space and future-facing content like artificial intelligence and technology, the publication has named Steven Zeitchik as senior editor, technology and politics, and promoted Beatrice Verhoeven, formerly deputy awards editor, to awards editor. THR is also thrilled to welcome longtime contributor Brande Victorian on staff as deputy awards editor.

Scott Feinberg, executive editor, awards, will continue to lead THR’s awards content as the expert behind Feinberg Forecast, the voice of his Awards Chatter podcast and co-moderator of THR’s esteemed Oscar Roundtables.

“Beatrice’s sharp insight and Brande’s authoritative voice have long strengthened our awards coverage, and we’re thrilled to see them take on these elevated roles, further bolstering our already stellar reporting,” said THR co-editors-in-chief Maer Roshan and Shirley Halperin. “At the same time, we remain deeply committed to tackling the transformative issues impacting our industry,...

The Hollywood Reporter has named Ethan Millman as its music editor.

In his new role, Millman, joining THR from Rolling Stone, will lead music coverage in print and online, covering the music industry, the craft of music making, artist and executive profiles, tech and financial news, major live events and the intersection of music and film and television. He will be based in Los Angeles and report to THR co-editor-in-chief Shirley Halperin.

“Ethan’s deep understanding of the music industry, combined with his ability to craft compelling stories, makes him an invaluable addition to our editorial staff,” Halperin said. “At this juncture of his already impressive journalism career, his leadership will elevate our music coverage, ensuring we continue to deliver stories the industry wants to read, including breaking news.”

“As music editor, Ethan brings authoritative reporting, exceptional insight and far-reaching industry connections to THR. Maer and I are thrilled to welcome him to the team,...

Peter Kiefer has joined The Hollywood Reporter as writer-at-large.

In his new role, which begins Tuesday, Feb. 4, Kiefer will cover Hollywood’s agencies and studios while also writing broader insider profiles and investigative pieces on the industry’s most influential personalities and institutions. He will also cover politics, real estate and other topics of relevance to THR’s growing readership.

Kiefer, who is based in Los Angeles, will report to THR co-editor-in-chief Maer Roshan.

“We’re thrilled to bring Peter onto our team during this time of unprecedented editorial growth for us,” Roshan said. “Peter’s extraordinary work, breadth of coverage and long track record of breaking news promises to further cement THR’s position as the top entertainment brand in the country.”

Said Kiefer: “I’m thrilled to be back at THR and joining the crack team of writers and editors that co-editors-in-chief Maer Roshan and Shirley Halperin have...

The Hollywood Reporter won 13 awards at the 17th annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, including best website and online journalist of the year for Mesfin Fekadu.

The awards were handed out Sunday night by the Los Angeles Press Club at a gala taking place at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Other THR wins included Seth Abramovitch’s Cheryl Hines cover story as best personality profile, TV/streaming industry over 2,500 words; Scott Feinberg’s oral history of Schindler’s List as best film industry feature over 1,000 words; Lacey Rose’s Dan Harmon interview for best TV industry feature under 1,000 words; and David Rooney’s ranking of Hollywood’s 20 most erotic movies as best film feature, production/history.

In the celebrity investigation category, THR‘s story “Will Ferrell on Navigating His Best Friend’s Transition in ‘Will & Harper,'” with reporting from Seija Rankin, Jason Rovou, Stephanie Fischette,...

The Hollywood Reporter raised a glass to awards season on Thursday night, hosting studio partners and awards strategists for a cocktail reception in Beverly Hills.

The event, held at Steak 48, welcomed executives from Netflix, Disney, NBCUniversal, AMC, Lionsgate and Nickelodeon for drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the steakhouse’s private back room. THR co-editor-in-chiefs Maer Roshan and Shirley Halperin and THR president Joe Shields were also in attendance.

Guests sipped on a selection of specialty cocktails — aptly named “The FYC,” “AMPAS Compliance,” “Voters Hoarding Hors D’oeuvres” and “That Me Espresso” — and chatted about Hollywood’s upcoming awards extravaganza.

The season has been slowly churning for months amid the fall film festivals, but will kick off in earnest in the new year, as the Golden Globes arrive early on Jan. 5 and the Oscars finish off the festivities on March 2. The Grammys, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Critics Choice Awards, Directors Guild of America Awards,...

The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday announced the appointment of Shirley Halperin as its new co-editor-in-chief, joining Maer Roshan to lead its editorial team. Both Roshan and Halperin are based in Los Angeles. Halperin will begin in her new role this month.

“Shirley brings deep experience in entertainment journalism to this role and is one of the industry’s finest,” said Jay Penske, CEO and chairman of Penske Media Corp., parent company of THR. “We are excited to welcome her back and know her contributions will be key to THR’s growth and evolution.”

Nekesa Mumbi Moody, who joined THR in 2020 as editorial director and has been serving as co-editor-in-chief since September 2023, is departing the company. She shepherded the transition from MRC owners to Penske Media amid the pandemic.

Under her leadership, THR undertook a significant redesign of its website and launched multiple tentpole franchises, including Raising Our Voices, a print...

In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in warnings against “toxic nostalgia.” Fondly recalling times past is fine until that recollection turns into a yearning that keeps us from moving forward in the present day, making choices that will bring us happiness now. Not to mention, in most cases, memories of yesteryear have been edited for maximum rosiness, and bear no resemblance to our actual personal histories.

That said, if you’re like Cobra Kai’s Johnny and the era you want to go back to is the 1980s, that’s perfectly normal and, in fact, healthy.

Here are five reasons why…

5 We Either Were Healthier or Just Thought We Were, Which Is Just as Good

When Johnny (William Zabka) opens his Cobra Kai dojo for a new generation, back in Season One, he only has one student: his neighbor Miguel (Xolo Maridueña). Miguel learns his first lesson — “Strike...

Taylor Swift is on top of the world. Her Eras Tour was the biggest concert event of the year, the filmed version dominated the big screen box office earlier this month, and her personal life has crossed over from the entertainment page to the sports page. However, an ongoing lawsuit brought by songwriters Sean Hall and Nathan Butler has been a thorn in her side for years. The writers have taken issue with Swift’s hit song “Shake it Off” and a new CNN documentary about the case called “Taking on Taylor Swift” premieres on Max on Friday, Oct. 20; no Swiftie will want to miss this in-depth look at the controversy. You can watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max.

How to Watch 'Taking on Taylor Swift' When: Friday, October 20, 2023 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max. 7-Day Free Trial$9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com

Get...

As Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour expands around the globe and onto the silver screen, CNN’s investigation into the copyright lawsuit brought by songwriters Sean Hall and Nathan Butler against Swift for her hit song “Shake it Off” will stream on Max in Taking On Taylor Swift. Produced by the CNN FlashDocs unit, the special explores creativity, credit, and the hazy line between cultural appreciation and appropriation. Taking On Taylor Swift will be available to stream this Friday, October 20 on Max.

The 2017 lawsuit, which was settled and dismissed in 2022, alleged the chorus of Swift’s hit song, “Shake It Off” is a direct lift from the 2000 song, “Playas Gon’ Play” written by Hall and Butler, and made famous by the girl group, 3Lw. For the first time since taking legal action, Hall spoke exclusively to CNN, along with his attorney Marina V. Bogorad, about their experience taking on...

Los Angeles magazine has signed with CAA for representation.

The magazine is owned by Engine Vision Media, a company headed by power lawyers Ben Meiselas and Mark Geragos. The duo bought Los Angeles in December 2022 from Detroit-based Hour Media; the deal also included Pasadena and Orange Coast magazines.

CAA will work with the magazine to adapt its stories into scripted and unscripted series and films, along with other media formats.

“I am thrilled to partner with CAA to bring the most interesting stories about the greatest city in the world to an even bigger audience,” Meiselas said in a statement. “CAA is the best in the business.”

Christopher Gialanella is the publisher of Los Angeles, and Shirley Halperin is editor-in-chief. Halperin, former executive editor of music at Variety, joined the magazine in June, taking over for Maer Roshan (who was recently named co-editor-in-chief of The Hollywood Reporter).

Los Angeles has...

Variety won 14 first-place awards Sunday night at the Los Angeles Press Club’s 65th annual SoCal Journalism Awards, more than twice as many as any other entertainment publication.

The 14 awards represented a historic high for Variety at the SoCal Journalism Awards, topping the previous best of 12 first-place prizes the magazine earned in 2018. Variety came into Sunday’s ceremony with a record 96 nominations, representing work published online and in print during the 2022 calendar year.

The awards were handed out during a gala dinner attended by hundreds in the historic Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Several staffers won dual honors. Owen Gleiberman, Variety‘s chief film critic, won best obituary/appreciation for a look back at actor William Hurt, plus best online arts commentary for the column “Is ‘Tar’ Rooting for or Against Cate Blanchett’s Superstar Predator Conductor?” Chris Willman, senior writer and chief music critic,...

Variety has promoted Jem Aswad to lead all music content across digital, print and live media platforms as executive editor, music.

Aswad will oversee all aspects of Variety‘s music-related editorial operations and staff. He will also continue to serve as Variety‘s leading voice on the business of music, penning cover stories, deep-dive features, investigative stories, personality profiles and reviews. With his promotion, Aswad will also help steer Variety‘s music-related event franchises, including Hitmakers and Music Mogul of the Year, and contribute significantly to developing music programming for live media events.

Aswad is based in Variety‘s New York office and reports to co-editors in chief Cynthia Littleton and Ramin Setoodeh. Shirley Halperin, Variety’s executive editor, music since 2017, is stepping down to become editor in chief of Los Angeles magazine.

“We could not be more excited to announce that Jem will be leading Variety’s music team,...

Los Angeles Magazine has found its new editor-in-chief: Shirley Halperin.

The respected music industry insider is exiting as executive editor of music at Variety, a post she’s held since 2017, to join L.A. Mag, effective June 15. She’s replacing Maer Roshan who was ousted a month ago by bosses at parent company Engine Vision Media in what has been viewed as a shift in direction for the publication under newly-installed president and publisher Christopher Gialanella.

In confirming the hiring, Engine Vision’s press release noted that Halperin will be tasked with shaping Los Angeles‘ “vision for the future, with a particular emphasis on news and culture.” Furthermore, it stated that Halperin will “lead efforts to celebrate the city’s diversity while keeping current events, politics and sports related to the area relevant. Additionally, she will continue to touch on entertainment, music, society, lifestyle, dining, home, real estate and fashion,...

Variety won 22 National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards at a ceremony in Universal City Sunday night, including a staff win for for entertainment website of the year. The 22 trophies represented the most scored by any publication at the event.

Also scoring top honors were deputy music editor Jem Aswad, winning online journalist of the year, and Elizabeth Wagmeister and Clayton Davis, co-hosts of “Variety’s The Take,” as anchor/hosts of the year.

The 15th annual awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work in national and local publications from July 2021 through June 2022, were handed out at the Universal Sheraton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.

Tying for the most wins — four apiece — were Aswad and senior music writer and chief music critic Chris Willman. Close behind was chief correspondent Wagmeister, who scored three wins during the ceremony. Five staffers scored two awards each: senior vice president Tim Gray, executive editor of music Shirley Halperin,...

Chris Willman, one of the industry’s most-respected music journalists, has been promoted to Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic for Variety.

Willman is a key player in Variety‘s breaking news coverage with an emphasis on country, Americana and roots artists and well as touring and venues. The promotion to Chief Music Critic recognizes his role in steering Variety‘s critical commentary on music and music-related media.

“Having long been a fan of Chris Willman’s writing, it thrills me that Variety will continue to be his home,” said Shirley Halperin, Variety‘s Executive Editor of Music. “With this promotion, his music criticism will get the bigger spotlight it deserves.”

Willman’s promotion comes as Variety is expanding its music team with the appointment of Thania Garcia as associate editor of music.

Since joining Variety in September 2018, Willman has won nine first-place awards from the Los Angeles Press Club.

Ramin Setoodeh will be elevated to Co-Editor-In-Chief of Variety in the coming months, working alongside world-class journalist Cynthia Littleton to lead the editorial operations of the venerable entertainment business news brand. Littleton and Setoodeh will co-run the newsroom and oversee editorial activities across all Variety platforms.

“Cynthia is one of the most intelligent and highly-regarded journalists in the industry. She possesses a rare mixture of kindness, deep integrity, professionalism and killer journalistic instincts. Her world-class business reporting coupled with Ramin’s talent shaping Variety’s key content franchises make them the definition of a power duo. I look forward to seeing them lead the newsroom,” said Jay Penske, Chairman, Founder and CEO of Penske Media.

Littleton and Setoodeh will report to Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, Variety‘s President and Group Publisher.

Littleton has been Co-Editor-In-Chief of Variety since October 2020, when it was announced that she would move into the top editorial post in 2022. Previously,...

Variety took home 20 top honors at Friday’s National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards, including the wins for best entertainment website, podcast host, best headline and for music and theater criticism.

The virtual ceremony was hosted by comedian Alonzo Bodden. This year’s Veritas Award for film from the Los Angeles Press Club went to Netflix’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”

Variety was nominated for a record 99 National Arts and Entertainment Journalism awards. Organizers noted that total submissions for the awards topped more than 1,000 for the first time.

Variety‘s wins demonstrated the range of coverage offered by the global entertainment news source over a turbulent year.

The music criticism victory went to deputy music editor Jem Aswad for “Phoebe Bridgers’ ‘Punisher,’ ‘Grammy Salute to Prince.'”

Aswad also won for arts feature under 1,000 words for “What’s Next for Lockdown Live Music?” And Aswad shared a third win with Shirley Halperin,...

Variety has been nominated for 99 National Art and Entertainment Journalism awards, a record-breaking number of nominations for the publication.

“This is an amazing achievement by our stellar team of journalists, accomplished during the most challenging year any of us have ever experienced,” said Claudia Eller, editor-in-chief of Variety.

Variety was nominated for print entertainment publication for its April 29 issue, “The Great Depression,” as well as entertainment website for Variety.com. Features editor Chris Willman was nominated for print journalist of the year, while deputy music editor Jem Aswad and senior correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister both earned nods for online journalist of the year.

Variety‘s art department earned two nominations for illustration and one for cover art. Deputy art director Haley Kluge, creative director Raul Aguila and Mercedes DeBellard earned a nod for their “Jennifer Aniston” illustration, and Kluge, Aguila and Jen Mann also received an illustration nomination for “Sandra Oh.

Variety has promoted writers Matt Donnelly and Elaine Low and editor Jazz Tangcay.

The promotions come as Variety is expanding the scope of its multiplatform editorial operations to better capture all aspects of the global entertainment business. Donnelly, Low and Tangcay are part of a growing team around the world delivering breaking news, analysis, data and deep dives to guide the industry through a period of unprecedented transformation.

“There is nothing more gratifying than to see our reporters and editors continuing to push themselves and grow their knowledge of this swiftly evolving media universe,” said Claudia Eller, Editor-in-Chief of Variety. “We are incredibly proud to work with Matt, Elaine and Jazz, all of whom are so talented and devoted to their work.”

Donnelly has advanced to Senior Entertainment and Media Writer. He will focus on news and analysis about the film and TV industries, particularly the inner workings of the Hollywood creative community.

Music may be an auditory medium, but its role is an integral ingredient in the success of visual projects in TV, films and commercials. Singers, composers, music bookers and others working in this intersection joined Variety in the virtual Music for Screens Week from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, sharing their expertise on the importance of music in recent projects. Covering topics from talk shows to composition for 2020’s critically praised “Mank,” the professionals provided valuable insight into music’s role in the industry.

Read below for a list of 10 takeaways from the Music for Screens Week.

Filmmakers Recognize Music as a Strong Storytelling Device

“I have not come into contact with a director who doesn’t know the power of music and storytelling,” said Germaine Franco, composer for films like “Someone Great.”

During the State of Scoring Composers Panel, presented by ASCAP, Franco and other composers discussed the increasing experimentation in film and TV scores.

Sia first announced her plans for her directorial debut, “Music” at the 2015 Venice Film Festival. But the story germinated over fifteen years ago when she penned the short story, still the “Chandelier” singer tells Variety’s Executive Editor of Music Shirley Halperin that she never saw herself as a director.

Speaking as part of Variety’s Power of Women: Conversations, presented by Lifetime, Sia talked about how fellow screenwriter Dallas Clayton helped her find the confidence to direct. “I thought, ‘How hard could this be, it’s like making a music video but every day for 40 days?'”

“Music,” stars Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Kate Hudson. The film also stars Tony and Grammy Award winner Leslie Odom Jr., alongside Sia protégé and breakout star Maddie Ziegler (the upcoming “West Side Story”).

Hudson plays the free-spirited Zu estranged from her family, who suddenly finds herself the sole guardian of her half-sister,...

The Paley Center for Media said that PaleyFest LA will go virtual for the first time because of the coronavirus pandemic, setting its 2020 edition for August with a guest lineup for 10 series that includes Cate Blanchett, Justin Bieber and Dolly Parton and moderators including Stacey Abrams and Martha Raddatz. The event was originally scheduled to take place in mid-March at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

The festival will be available to view by Citi cardmembers and Paley members beginning August 7, with panels available to the public August 10. All will be hosted on the Paley Center’s YouTube channel. Citi is an official sponsor of the event.

The lineup announced today featured changes from the one originally unveiled in January. Remaining are Netflix’s Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings and Ozark, Starz’s Outlander and Pop TV’s One Day at a Time and Schitt’s Creek. They are joined by YouTube’s Justin Bieber: Seasons,...

The Paley Center for Media’s annual PaleyFest television festival is joining the ever-growing list of events pivoting to virtual production amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Among the series taking part in this first-ever PaleyFest are YouTube’s “Justin Bieber: Seasons” (moderated by Variety‘s own Shirley Halperin), NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” Amazon Prime Video’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” FX on Hulu’s “Mrs. America,” Pop TV’s “One Day at a Time” and “Schitt’s Creek,” Starz’s “Outlander” and a trio of shows from Netflix: “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings,” “Ozark” and “Queer Eye.”

All panels will stream on the Paley Center’s YouTube channel, available first to Paley Center and Citi card members on Aug. 7 (Citi is the festival’s official sponsor), and then to the general public on Aug. 10. Notably, though, the “Schitt’s Creek” panel, will be a members-only event.

“PaleyFest LA has been...

The definitive holiday song of the past 25 years will finally get its story told. On Wednesday, Amazon released the trailer for a new mini-documentary, Mariah Carey Is Christmas! The short film will dive into the history of the pop star’s smash hit turned holiday classic from 1994, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

In addition to an interview with Carey herself, the documentary will also feature insights from producer Randy Jackson, Variety music editor Shirley Halperin, Billboard charts director Gary Trust and Carey’s long-time backup singer Trey Lorenz.

Scooter Braun has kept silent about a dispute with Taylor Swift following his Ithaca Holdings company acquiring her former label, Big Machine Label Group, over the summer. On Thursday, he addressed the issue without naming the pop star during a Q&a with Shirley Halperin, Variety‘s executive editor of music, at the 2019 Entertainment Industry Conference, Variety reports.

“I haven’t talked about this in six months. Not once. I haven’t made a statement about it,” Braun said. “When there’s a lot of things being said and a lot of different opinions,...

Musician and actor Troye Sivan will be honored with Variety’s Creative Conscience in Film Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Friday, Jan. 4, at the annual 10 Directors to Watch Brunch, presented by At&T at the Parker Palm Springs Hotel.

Sivan is being recognized for his work in “Boy Erased,” the story of the gay son of a small-town Baptist preacher who escapes from the horrible reality of conversion therapy. As well as playing the part of Gary in the film, Sivan co-wrote and performed original song “Revelation” for the soundtrack.

“Troye’s performance in ‘Boy Erased,’ along with ‘Revelation,’ the original song he wrote for one of the pivotal scenes in the film, showcases his commitment to Lgbtq activism in both music and film,” said Shirley Halperin, Variety’s executive music editor.

Through its Turn Up the Love campaign in partnership with the Trevor Project and the Loveloud foundation,...

Annie Lennox has been added to Variety’s inaugural Music for Screens Summit and will take part in a keynote conversation with composer Scott Salinas. The event will be held at Neuehouse in Hollywood, Calif. on Oct. 30

Lennox, who rose to fame during the 1980s as singer and co-songwriter of Eurythmics, has released six studio albums and won three Grammys. Her latest album, “Nostalgia,” was released in 2014.

Other new additions to the event include a keynote conversation with the team behind Netflix’s “Westside,” and speakers include executive producer Kevin Bartel and executive music producer James Diener from the upcoming reality music series. Shirley Halperin, Variety’s executive editor of music will moderate.

Also, Tom Holkenborg a.k.a. Junkie Xl (“Alita: Battle Angel”) has joined the Composer Roundtable presented by Ascap. Variety contributor Jon Burlingame will moderate the conversation about how best to craft music for film and TV in the digital age.

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross will keynote Variety’s inaugural Music for Screens Summit, held at Neuehouse in Hollywood on Oct. 30.

The day-long event, with ambient music exclusively provided by iHeartMedia, will focus on the latest trends in composing for film and television, music supervision, commercial synchs in the digital age, legacy act management, soundtracks’ enduring popularity, and more.

Interviewed by Kcrw’s Elvis Mitchell, Reznor and Ross will discuss their work together as composers, producers and songwriters. The two collaborated on the score for David Fincher’s “The Social Network,” and have since worked on composing for such projects as “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” “Gone Girl,” and “Patriot’s Day.” The duo entered the documentary realm in 2016, working alongside Gustavo Santaolalla and Mogwai on the score for the environmental advocacy film “Before the Flood” and collaborating with acclaimed filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick on 2017’s “The Vietnam War.

Scooter Braun confirmed today that, as noted by Variety last week, he and Kanye West are working together again and he is helping the artist with the rollout of the five albums he’s in the middle of releasing. The pair had announced in April that Braun was no longer in a management relationship with the artist.

“We’re still working together,” Braun said in a Q&A with Variety executive music editor Shirley Halperin at the Midem conference Thursday. He acknowledged differences of opinion, and noted that “Even though he tweeted ‘I can’t have a manager, I don’t have a manager, I can’t be managed’, two hours later he tweeted ‘Scooter Braun is a genius!’ He wanted me to work [just] for him and that didn’t work for me,” but confirmed that the two never stopped talking and are again working closely together — they were often...

While legal marijuana dispensaries all over Los Angeles and California get ready to mark their first-ever Green Friday in the post-“adult use” era with tomorrow’s 4/20 celebration, the medical uses of cannabis tend to get overshadowed in all the hoopla.

Last night (April 18) at the London Hotel in West Hollywood, the Brookings Institution, a Washington, DC non-profit dedicated to “conducting in-depth research that leads to new ideas for problems facing society,” co-hosted with Variety a screening of its documentary, “The Life She Deserves,” a departure from its usual white-paper approach. The half-hour film highlights Virginia teenager Jennifer Collins and her family’s fight to help overcome a lifelong struggle with an epilepsy disorder which saw her suffering from multiple seizures. The entire film can be viewed here.

The heart-wrenching tale follows Jennifer (pictured at far right), her mother Beth and father Pat, as they sought treatment for their daughter’s condition,...

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross will talk about their work on the score for David Fincher's Gone Girl, Reznor's work with Nine Inch Nails and more as part of the keynote Q&A at the 2014 Billboard/Hollywood Reporter Film & TV Music Conference on Wednesday. Read more Trent Reznor: An Oscar Nom Is Better Than a "Bullshit" Grammy You can watch the livestream here of the chat, moderated by Shirley Halperin, Hollywood Reporter and Billboard music editor, starting at 11:30 a.m. Pt. Reznor and Ross worked together previously on the scores for The Social Network and Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. The music in The Social Network earned Reznor an Academy Award,

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Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross will deliver the Keynote Q&A at the 2014 Billboard + Hollywood Reporter Film & TV Music Conference, taking place on Nov. 5 and 6 in Los Angeles. The two collaborators will discuss their most recent work on the score for Gone Girl. The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard music editor Shirley Halperin will moderate. Gone Girl is the third partnership between Reznor and Ross and director David Fincher, following Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and The Social Network, for which Reznor and Ross won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. “Each year, we look forward

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Justin Bieber had some choice words for his critics during his rather candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter's Shirley Halperin.

"I don't give a f**k what they say," the 19-year-old Baby singer said of his haters. "I know who I am and what I'm doing in my life and what I've accomplished and continue to accomplish as a performer, as a writer, as an artist, as a person, as a human being. I'm happy with the man I'm becoming."

Related: Source Reacts Bieber Brothel Reports

As for all the negative press he's been receiving, this year especially, Bieber thinks it's all just because negative stories sell. "Every time some site writes something bad, all my followers go on there, and it brings them more traffic. Now they have all the Beliebers on their site, which gives them money from advertisers. They're just worried about money. They don't care about ruining someone's name."

Related Pics: InstaGrab:...

Adam Lambert is looking for a new home.  The former "American Idol" singer  has revealed that he's exiting RCA Records, which has released his music since his "Idol" stint.  The fallout reportedly stems from RCA's request that Lambert record an album made up of 1980s cover songs, an idea which both Lambert and his fans rejected.  The singer announced the move in a letter to Hollywood Reporter writer Shirley Halperin, where he stated that "the oft-cited 'creative differences'" were the reason, adding that "my heart is simply not in doing a covers album." Lambert released two albums under the contract, 2009's "For Your Entertainment"...

The Hollywood Reporter executive editor, features, Stephen Galloway was named entertainment journalist of the year and THR.com was named best website for a news organization Sunday at the Los Angeles Press Club's 55th Southern California Journalism Awards Gala. THR won 10 awards at the ceremony, which took place at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Galloway also won in the category of personality profile, magazines, for "The Dichotomy of Denzel." Music editor Shirley Halperin also had scored a nom in the category for "Snoop from Dogg to Lion." Also in the online category, THR, Esq., edited

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This story comes courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter.

By Shirley Halperin

Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre (ne Andre Young) have joined together to open the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation. The longtime friends, collaborators and business partners -- Iovine is currently chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records; he and rapper-producer Dre also co-founded Beats Electronics -- are putting in $70 Million to create the Academy.

According to a release issued by the University, the aim of the school is to give USC students "a unique undergraduate experience" that will span such fields as marketing, business entrepreneurship, computer science and engineering, audio and visual design and the arts.

Said USC President C. L. Max Nikias in announcing the new program: “The vision and generosity of Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young will profoundly influence the way all of us perceive and experience artistic media.

By Scott Feinberg

The Hollywood Reporter

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The Hollywood Reporter has released the eighth installment of its weekly web series The Hollywood Reporters. In each episode, THR awards analyst Scott Feinberg, the series’ host, chats with colleagues from THR‘s newsroom about different aspects of the awards race. This week, Feinberg was joined by music editor Shirley Halperin for a discussion about this year’s nominees for the best original song Oscar.

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The Hollywood Reporter has released the eighth installment of its weekly web series The Hollywood Reporters. In each episode, THR awards analyst Scott Feinberg, the series' host, chats with colleagues from THR's newsroom about different aspects of the awards race. This week, Feinberg was joined by music editor Shirley Halperin for a discussion about this year's nominees for the best original song Oscar. Feinberg and Halperin, like virtually everyone else, believe that the clear frontrunner is the title song of Skyfall, performed by the international singing sensation Adele (who composed its music and lyrics with Paul Epworth). In fact, Halperin calls the

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Nine experts entered predictions for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. -Insertgroups:12- Only two of them predicted all 35 categories with Glenn Gamboa (Newsday) scoring better, with 20 correct (58%). Among his savvy choices, he accurately predicted the Black Keys' sweep of the rock field, as well as Zac Brown Band's upset victory for Best Country Album. Gold Derby's Paul Sheehan was close behind with 19 out of 35 (55%). Related: See how you did predicting Grammys Edna Gundersen (USA Today) correctly predicted 12 out of 24 categories (50%), while Lyndsey Parker (Yahoo! Music) got 10 out of 23 (44%). Two experts entered predictions in 22 races: Shirley Halperin (Hollywood Reporter) batted .500 with 11 correct (50%) and Phil Gallo (Billboard) foresaw five winners (23%). Leah Greenblatt (Entertainment Weekly) nailed eight of her 14 predix (58%) while Chris Willman went five f...