A. O. Scott facts for kids

Quick facts for kids A.O. Scott
Scott in 2016
Born	Anthony Oliver Scott (1966-07-10) July 10, 1966 (age 59) Northampton, Massachusetts, U.S.
Other names	Tony Scott
Education	Harvard University (BA) Johns Hopkins University (Master's degree) (dropped out of Johns Hopkins University before he finished degree)
Occupation	Film critic literary critic author
Years active	1989–present
Spouse(s)	Justine Henning ​ (m. 1991)​
Children	2
Parent(s)	Joan Wallach Scott (mother)
Relatives	Eli Wallach (great-uncle) Anne Jackson (great-aunt)

Anthony Oliver Scott, born on July 10, 1966, is an American journalist and writer. He is well-known for his work as a film and literary critic. He started his career at places like The New York Review of Books and Variety. In 2000, he began writing film reviews for The New York Times. By 2004, he became the newspaper's main film critic, a role he shared with Manohla Dargis. In 2023, he moved to The New York Times Book Review, where he now writes about books.

Early life and education

Anthony Oliver Scott was born on July 10, 1966. This was in Northampton, Massachusetts. Both of his parents were university professors. His mother, Joan Wallach Scott, is a famous professor of social science. His father, Donald Scott, taught American history.

Scott is also related to the famous acting couple Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson. They were his great-aunt and great-uncle. Scott grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. He went to Classical High School there. Later, he graduated from Harvard in 1988. He studied literature.

Career Highlights

Writing for Newspapers and Magazines

Scott started his writing career at The New York Review of Books. He worked as an assistant there. After that, he became a book critic for Newsday. He also wrote for The New York Review of Books and Slate. In 1993, he wrote television reviews for Variety under the name Tony Scott.

In January 2000, he joined The New York Times Arts section. He became a film critic after Janet Maslin retired from that role. In 2004, he became the chief film critic. Scott and other film critics at the Times also hosted a video podcast called Critics' Picks.

Scott felt he started at an exciting time for movies. He mentioned that 1999 was a great year for films. This was when many independent American filmmakers became popular. He said his goal at the Times was to help people connect with movies. He wanted readers to discover films they might not have thought they would like.

In 2016, Scott published his own book, Better Living Through Criticism. In 2017, he and Manohla Dargis made a list of the best films of the 21st century so far.

Scott stopped being a film critic in March 2023. He then joined The New York Times Book Review. He explained that film criticism had become harder for him. He felt a growing distance between critics and the audience.

Scott has often spoken about his love for movies. He believes movies have a powerful way of making us feel strong emotions. They can also show us new worlds and truths about our own world. He enjoys how movies can make you jump or laugh, even when you expect it. He also appreciates the amazing artistry of studios like Studio Ghibli and Pixar.

However, Scott has also shared his concerns about modern fan culture. He feels that some fan groups can be very demanding and intolerant. He believes this kind of behavior is not good for art and goes against the spirit of movies. He still loves the experience of watching movies in a theater. He enjoys the quiet anticipation, the story unfolding, and the discussions that follow.

Television Appearances

Scott also appeared on television. In 2006 and 2007, he was a guest critic on Ebert & Roeper. He filled in for Roger Ebert when Ebert was away.

From 2002 to 2014, Scott appeared on Charlie Rose 15 times. He would talk about new movies and predict Academy Award winners. He often appeared with other critics like David Denby and Janet Maslin.

In 2009, it was announced that Scott would become a co-host of At the Movies. He hosted the show with Michael Phillips. They started their roles in September 2009. The show ended in August 2010 after one season.

Teaching

Scott also taught film criticism at Wesleyan University.

Personal Life

A.O. Scott is married to Justine Henning. They have two children together.

In 2010, he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. This award recognized his insightful film reviews. His reviews often explored how movies connect to bigger ideas in society and art.

When asked about his favorite films, Scott named five: La Dolce Vita, The Godfather, Sullivan's Travels, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.

Scott is Jewish.

Filmography

Scott has appeared in various films and TV shows, usually as himself, discussing movies or journalism.

See also

In Spanish: A. O. Scott para niños

• New Yorkers in journalism