Justin Chang joining L.A. Times as film critic

Justin Chang, chief film critic for Variety, will be joining The Times as a film critic.

Chang is one of the rising stars of film criticism – respected by colleagues, competitors and filmmakers alike. He was awarded the inaugural Roger Ebert Award for diversity in film journalism in 2014, and has been recognized by the Los Angeles Press Club for his reviews and commentary.

Chang has long wanted to work at The Times alongside Ken Turan; this is what he has to say about the opportunity:

“Whether they’re casual moviegoers or hardcore cinephiles, readers look to the Times’ film reviews for more than a mere recommendation. They look for an understanding of the art, business and politics of filmmaking; a wide-ranging love for the medium informed by a deep knowledge of film history; a healthy skepticism toward gimmickry and formula; and a genuine passion for those treasurable cinematic experiences that move, stimulate and break new ground.”

Since his graduation from USC in 2004, Chang has worked in various capacities at Variety. He was promoted to senior film critic in 2010 and chief film critic in 2013. He is a frequent guest critic on KPCC’s “FilmWeek” and NPR’s “Fresh Air Weekend,” and the author of “FilmCraft: Editing,” a 2011 book of interviews with some of the world’s top film editors.

He serves as chair of the National Society of Film Critics and secretary of the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn.

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