Marlow Stern Appointed as Variety's New Chief Correspondent

Variety, a prominent publication in the entertainment sector, has officially announced the appointment of Marlow Stern, an accomplished journalist, as its new Chief Correspondent. This strategic move aims to bolster Variety's commitment to profound, investigative reporting within the film industry. Stern, celebrated for his extensive background in covering Hollywood's intricate landscape, will embark on this new chapter by delving into the operations of major studios, the dynamics of talent agencies, and the creative journeys of leading figures in cinema. His expertise extends across various media platforms, encompassing print, digital, video, and audio storytelling, which is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the coverage of cinematic arts and business.

Esteemed Journalist Marlow Stern Joins Variety as Chief Correspondent, Promising In-depth Film Industry Coverage

In a significant development for the entertainment journalism landscape, Variety proudly announced on April 27, 2026, the hiring of Marlow Stern as its Chief Correspondent. Stern, an award-winning journalist, officially commenced his duties on this date, operating from Variety's New York City offices. He will be directly reporting to Brent Lang, the executive editor of Variety. This appointment underscores Variety's invigorated focus on longform and investigative journalism, a direction enthusiastically endorsed by Ramin Setoodeh, Variety’s co-editor-in-chief and co-president. Setoodeh expressed keen anticipation for Stern’s contributions, particularly highlighting his capacity to deliver exclusive insights into the intricate workings of Hollywood.

Stern brings a rich tapestry of experience to his new role. After earning his master's degree from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, he built a distinguished career covering various aspects of the film industry for esteemed outlets such as The Daily Beast and Newsweek. His reporting has not only captured the industry's pulse but has also instigated significant dialogues and changes, notably through his pieces on gender pay disparities in Hollywood, exemplified by Jennifer Lawrence's situation, and his comprehensive coverage of the #MeToo movement. From 2014 to 2022, Stern served as the senior editor overseeing entertainment coverage at The Daily Beast, subsequently taking on a similar leadership role at Rolling Stone. An ardent cinephile, Stern revealed his lifelong passion for film, which began with renting videos from local libraries and evolved into running a movie club and curating a sizable Criterion Collection. This deep-seated love for cinema, coupled with his professional acumen, positions him uniquely to shed light on the narratives that shape the film world. Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Stern also dedicates his time to teaching reporting classes at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, further cementing his influence in the field. His personal cinematic preferences, "Casablanca" and "Clueless," offer a glimpse into the diverse tastes that inform his critical perspective.

The strategic hiring of Marlow Stern by Variety signifies more than just a personnel change; it reflects an evolving commitment within entertainment journalism towards more rigorous, in-depth, and impactful reporting. In an era saturated with fleeting news cycles, the emphasis on longform and investigative pieces, particularly in an industry as influential and complex as film, is a welcome and necessary shift. Stern’s proven track record of sparking change through his reporting on critical issues like gender inequality and systemic abuses demonstrates the potent role journalism can play in holding power accountable and fostering a more equitable environment. His passion for film, combined with his journalistic integrity, suggests a future where Variety will not only inform but also provoke thought and catalyze action, enriching the discourse around Hollywood and its global impact. This move sets a benchmark for how specialized media can continue to thrive by prioritizing quality, depth, and a commitment to societal relevance.