Variety magazine has been recognized with two prestigious National Magazine Awards from ASME (American Society of Magazine Editors) for its outstanding cover designs in 2023.
The first award-winning issue, titled “Michael J. Fox Tells His Story,” published on May 17, 2023, features an extensive interview with Michael J. Fox. This issue won the accolade for Best Entertainment and Celebrity Cover. Creative director Haley Kluge led the creative direction, collaborating with visual director Jennifer Dorn, while the cover was photographed by Platon.
The second award-winning issue, “No Words. What the Writers Strike Means for Hollywood,” published on May 3, 2023, won for Best Conceptual Cover. Kluge, serving as creative director, spearheaded the issue’s rapid production within 48 hours after the Writers Guild of America initiated their first strike in 15 years.
Additionally, Variety’s “Scarlett” issue, spotlighting actress Scarlett Johansson and launching coverage of the Cannes Film Festival, was a finalist for the Readers’ Choice Award, garnering significant reader appreciation. Kluge and Dorn collaborated once more on this issue, with Mary Ellen Matthews capturing the cover photograph.
Ramin Setoodeh and Cynthia Littleton, co-editors-in-chief of Variety, expressed their gratitude for the ASME recognition, emphasizing Variety’s evolution into a leading weekly entertainment magazine in the United States. They credited the magazine’s success to the collaborative efforts of their editorial and creative teams, particularly highlighting the contributions of Jennifer Dorn and Haley Kluge.
The ASME Best Cover Contest, which honors magazine covers across various categories, is adjudicated by esteemed editors, art directors, and photo editors. The ASME board of directors selects the Cover of the Year, while users on X platform participate in choosing the Readers’ Choice Award. All covers submitted were published during the 2023 calendar year.
Variety’s dual wins underscore its commitment to innovative storytelling and visually striking covers that resonate with readers and industry peers alike.
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