Ann Hornaday, Acclaimed Film Critic, Dies at 66

Early Life and Education

Ann Mills Hornaday was born on March 9, 1960, in Iowa City, Iowa. She was adopted at birth by urologist William R. Hornaday Jr. and his wife, Mary Mills, and subsequently raised in Des Moines, Iowa. Her formative years in the Midwest provided the foundation for a career that would eventually span the national stage.

Following her graduation from high school, Hornaday attended Smith College. She graduated cum laude in 1982 with a degree in government. Shortly after completing her undergraduate studies, she moved to New York City to begin her professional journey, which included a two-year tenure as a personal assistant to Gloria Steinem at Ms. magazine.

Career and Accomplishments

Hornaday established herself as a prominent voice in film criticism through decades of dedicated work at several major publications. After her time in New York, she served as a film critic for the Austin American-Statesman and later for The Baltimore Sun. In 2002, she joined The Washington Post, where she remained a fixture of the paper's arts coverage for more than 20 years until her departure in 2025.

Throughout her tenure at The Washington Post, Hornaday was widely recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between academic film theory and accessible audience engagement. Her critical work earned her significant professional acclaim, including being named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in criticism in 2008. She was frequently sought after as a moderator and panelist at major industry events, including the DC/DOX documentary film festival.

Notable Works and Legacy

Beyond her daily reviews, Hornaday contributed to the broader understanding of cinema through her writing. She authored the 2017 book Talking Pictures: How to Watch Movies, which served as a guide for audiences to better appreciate the craft of filmmaking. At the time of her death, she had completed a manuscript regarding the production and cultural impact of the 1976 political thriller All the President’s Men, which is scheduled for posthumous publication in 2028.

Hornaday’s legacy is defined by her commitment to film literacy and her championing of the cinematic arts. She is remembered by colleagues and readers alike for her insightful, relatable prose that helped demystify the complexities of the screen. Her influence on the landscape of American film criticism remains a testament to her enduring passion for the medium.

Personal Life and Death

Hornaday resided in Baltimore, Maryland, where she was an active member of the community. She was married to Dennis Greenia, with whom she shared a daughter, Victoria Greenia, and a stepdaughter, Leila Greenia. She is also survived by her brother, William Hornaday III.

On October 18, 2026, Hornaday died at her home in Baltimore at the age of 66. According to her husband, Dennis Greenia, the cause of death was glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Her passing was confirmed by multiple outlets, including The Washington Post and The Baltimore Banner, following a period of illness.