Ann Hornaday Obituary, Baltimore, MD Death: Washington Post Film Critic Dies at 66 After Battle With Brain Cancer
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND — October 19, 2026: Ann Hornaday, the respected longtime film critic for The Washington Post, acclaimed author, and Pulitzer Prize finalist, has died at the age of 66. Her passing marks a significant loss for American film journalism and the entertainment industry, where her thoughtful reviews and insightful commentary influenced audiences for more than two decades.
Hornaday died on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at her home in Baltimore, Maryland. According to The Washington Post, her husband, Dennis Greenia, confirmed that the cause of death was glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Ann Hornaday’s Cause of Death: What Happened?
Ann Hornaday’s death followed a battle with glioblastoma, a serious form of brain cancer. Her passing has brought renewed attention to her remarkable contributions to film criticism, journalism, and cinematic storytelling.
Throughout her career, Hornaday earned widespread respect for her ability to evaluate movies with intelligence, empathy, and honesty. Rather than focusing exclusively on technical filmmaking, she explored the emotional and cultural impact of cinema, helping everyday moviegoers understand the deeper meaning behind the stories they watched.
Who Was Ann Hornaday? Her Career and Achievements
Born on March 9, 1960, in Iowa City, Iowa, Ann Mills Hornaday grew up in Des Moines before graduating from Smith College in 1982.
She began her journalism career writing for several publications, including The New York Times and Premiere magazine. She later worked as a film critic for the Austin American-Statesman and The Baltimore Sun before joining The Washington Post in 2002.
During more than 20 years at the newspaper, Hornaday became one of America’s most recognizable film critics. Her exceptional work earned her recognition as a 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Criticism, cementing her reputation as an influential voice in entertainment journalism.
Hornaday also wrote Talking Pictures: How to Watch Movies, published in 2017, offering readers an accessible exploration of filmmaking, storytelling, performances, and cinematic artistry.
She frequently appeared on PBS NewsHour and participated in public conversations about filmmaking, sharing her expertise with audiences beyond newspaper readership.
A Lasting Legacy in Film Journalism
Hornaday was admired for championing emerging filmmakers and examining Hollywood’s evolving cultural landscape. Her criticism covered everything from independent productions to major blockbusters, frequently highlighting the importance of creativity, authenticity, and compelling storytelling.
She left The Washington Post in 2025, concluding an extraordinary chapter in her professional life. Before her death, she completed work on another book exploring the making of the celebrated 1976 film All the President’s Men, with publication tentatively expected in 2028.
Her influence extended beyond published reviews, as she helped generations of readers approach cinema with greater curiosity and appreciation.
Family, Survivors, and Remembering Ann Hornaday
Ann Hornaday is survived by her husband of 26 years, Dennis Greenia; their daughter, Victoria Greenia; her stepdaughter, Leila Greenia; and her brother, William Hornaday III.
Her death represents a profound loss to those who knew her personally and to the wider community of filmmakers, journalists, critics, and movie enthusiasts who valued her perspective.
As the film industry remembers her accomplishments, Ann Hornaday’s legacy will endure through her writing, her books, and the countless conversations about cinema that her work inspired.
**Ann Hornaday will be remembered as a passionate advocate for meaningful storytelling and one of the most respected voices in American film critic