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He will drive breaking news coverage, analysis, investigative reporting, stories from the film festival circuit and chronicles of Hollywood culture. Based in Los Angeles, Donnelly assumes the position on August 17. His predecessor, Brent Lang , will be leaving Variety to become editor-in-chief of IndieWire.
Popular on Variety Related Stories YES, MSG Networks Will Move Streaming Sports to DAZN ESPY Awards 2026 Livestream: Here's How to Watch the Sports Awards Ceremony Online Variety hired Donnelly in 2018 as a senior film writer. He has interviewed many of the most powerful people in Hollywood, and written cover stories on Ted Sarandos, Nicole Kidman, Leonardo DiCaprio, Demi Moore and Meghan Markle. “As a journalist with an unmistakable voice and vision, Matt Donnelly has proven to be one of the toughest — and most fun — reporters covering Hollywood,” said Ramin Setoodeh and Cynthia Littleton, the co-editors-in-chief of Variety .
“His deep sources, extensive Rolodex and expansive knowledge of the industry makes him the perfect leader to oversee our film coverage. We also want to congratulate Brent and thank him on his incredible 12 years at Variety . We will miss publishing his byline and working with him on all his extraordinary stories.” “ Variety has changed the trajectory of my career in the most meaningful ways,” Donnelly said.
“It’s an honor to continue this 121-year tradition of excellence. I am dedicated to maintaining and raising the high bar set by my editor and friend, Brent Lang, and our leaders Ramin Setoodeh, Dea Lawrence and Cynthia Littleton.” From deeply sourced business pieces to revelatory celebrity profiles, Donnelly has delivered some of the most compelling entertainment business news of the past decade – covering the downfall of Ellen DeGeneres and the implosion of “America’s Got Talent,” to the shuttering of activist studio Participant Media and career film and TV producers banding together to survive in the streaming economy. Donnelly holds a journalism degree from Philadelphia’s Temple University, and previously held positions at the Los Angeles Times, TheWrap, Yahoo and the New York Post.
He lives in Hollywood with his screenwriter partner, Donny Sheldon, and his muse, their dog Chester. ‘Disclosure Day’ Claims No. 1 at U.K.
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