Todd McCarthy

Todd McCarthy is an influential American film critic, journalist, and author, renowned for his extensive career covering the global film industry. He served as the chief film critic for the entertainment trade publication Variety for over three decades before assuming the same role at The Hollywood Reporter. McCarthy is also a respected film historian and biographer, known for his definitive works on major Hollywood figures and his long tenure as a selector for the New York Film Festival.

Early life and education

Born in Chicago, McCarthy developed an early passion for cinema. He pursued his higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied under influential film scholars and began writing about film. During this formative period, he contributed to the Pacific Film Archive, an experience that deepened his academic and critical engagement with film history. His education provided a strong foundation in both the artistic and industrial aspects of moviemaking, which would define his later career.

Career

McCarthy's professional career began in the 1970s with writing for publications like The Village Voice and Film Comment. In 1979, he joined the staff of Variety, quickly rising to become its chief film critic, a position he held for 31 years. His tenure at the iconic trade paper established him as a preeminent voice in industry criticism, covering major festivals including the Cannes Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Sundance Film Festival. In 2010, he moved to the rival publication The Hollywood Reporter as its chief film critic and columnist. Beyond criticism, McCarthy has served on the selection committee for the New York Film Festival for many years and has been a frequent interviewer and moderator at events like the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. He has also contributed documentary filmmaking, co-directing the acclaimed film portrait Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography.

Film criticism and style

McCarthy's criticism is characterized by its deep historical knowledge, analytical precision, and clear, accessible prose. He is known for evaluating films within the broader context of cinematic history, often drawing parallels to the works of classic directors like John Ford, Alfred Hitchcock, and Howard Hawks. His reviews in Variety and The Hollywood Reporter are respected for their balance, assessing commercial prospects alongside artistic merit, which reflects his understanding of the film industry as both a business and an art form. This dual perspective has made his criticism essential reading for both industry professionals and cinephiles, and his voice is a constant presence in coverage of the Academy Awards and the international festival circuit.

Books and other works

As an author, McCarthy has written several seminal works of film history and biography. His most celebrated book is Howard Hawks: The Grey Fox of Hollywood, a comprehensive and critically acclaimed biography of the legendary director. He also authored King of the Bs: Working Within the Hollywood System, an examination of low-budget filmmaking, and Fast Women: The Legendary Ladies of Racing, which showcases his interest in subjects beyond cinema. His written work extends to numerous essays and contributions to publications such as The New York Times and Sight & Sound, solidifying his reputation as a leading film historian.

Personal life

McCarthy has been married to Lisa Dombrow, a film industry executive, since 1990. He maintains a relatively private personal life, with his public persona firmly rooted in his professional accomplishments as a critic and historian. Based in Los Angeles, he remains an active and central figure in the film community, attending premieres, festivals, and industry events worldwide.