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Variety has appointed Guy Lodge as its new chief film critic, expanding the magazine’s global criticism team. Lodge, a long-time contributor, will split duties with Owen Gleiberman, covering studio tentpoles, indie discoveries and film festivals from a London base.
What Guy Lodge’s new role will involve
Lodge steps into a central position at one of the entertainment industry’s leading outlets. He will:
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- Review major studio releases and arthouse films.
- Report from international film festivals.
- Collaborate closely with co-chief critic Owen Gleiberman.
His presence in London is meant to strengthen Variety’s reach across European and global cinema scenes.
Transition at Variety: who he replaces
Lodge succeeds Peter Debruge, whose two-decade run at the magazine ended earlier this year. Debruge has moved on to a leadership role at the SXSW Film & TV Festival.
Career highlights and notable bylines
Lodge has built a varied portfolio in film journalism. His steady output includes a weekly column and features for top outlets.
- The Observer — weekly film column since 2013.
- Contributions to The Guardian, Sight & Sound and Vanity Fair.
- Bylines in Rolling Stone, the Los Angeles Times and Newsweek.
- Work for U.K. title Attitude and early criticism on In Contention.
Voice and perspective: what Lodge says about the role
Lodge describes his connection to Variety as long-standing and meaningful. He plans to broaden the publication’s criticism while keeping an eye on both blockbusters and smaller global gems.
He emphasizes a love of cinema’s breadth and intends to keep covering the films that matter to readers around the world.
Education, origins and film industry involvement
Born in Johannesburg, Lodge lived in South Africa, the U.K. and the U.S. His studies and early career shaped his critical approach.
- Studied French and film at the University of the Witwatersrand.
- Completed an MA in screenwriting at the London Film School.
- Started as a critic and reporter with In Contention.
Professional leadership and industry roles
- Vice chair of the London Film Critics’ Circle.
- Chair of the nomination committee for the British Independent Film Awards.
- Voting member of BAFTA.
Editorial vision from Variety’s leadership
Variety’s editors framed the hire as part of a strategic push to invest in criticism worldwide. They called Lodge’s writing among the most accomplished in film journalism.
The move signals a commitment to strong festival coverage and to elevating diverse cinematic voices.
