Daniel M. Kimmel: A Legacy of Film Criticism and Literary Achievement
In the world of cinematic analysis and science fiction literature, few figures possess as diverse a portfolio as Daniel M. Kimmel. An American film critic and author born in 1955, Kimmel has spent decades bridging the gap between professional journalism and creative writing, offering deep insights into both the business of Hollywood and the imaginative realms of speculative fiction.
Key Facts
- Profession: Film critic, writer, and former editor.
- Education: B.A. from University of Rochester; Law degree from Boston University.
- Major Awards: Cable Center Award (2004) and the Skylark Award (2018).
- Notable Works: The Fourth Network and Jar Jar Binks Must Die.
- Leadership: Past president of the Boston Society of Film Critics and founding co-chair of the Boston Online Film Critics Association.
Professional Journalism and Editorial Career
Kimmel's career in journalism is marked by long-term commitments to prestigious publications. From 1986 to 2013, he served as the Boston correspondent for Variety, a leading trade publication for the entertainment industry. His expertise in the New England region also led him to become a TV columnist for The Boston Herald and a film reviewer for the Telegram & Gazette in Worcester, Massachusetts, a role he held from 1984 to 2009.
His editorial leadership peaked in September 2014 when he was appointed editor of The Jewish Advocate, a position he held until December 2015. Prior to this promotion, he contributed to the publication as the "Movie Maven." Today, his critical voice continues to reach audiences through NorthShoreMovies.net and the Sci-Fi Movie Page.
Contributions to Science Fiction and Literature
Beyond traditional criticism, Kimmel is a respected voice in the science fiction community. Between 2005 and 2010, he published essays on classic science fiction cinema in The Internet Review of Science Fiction, which have since transitioned to Space and Time magazine.
His literary output spans non-fiction, essays, and novels. His 2004 book, The Fourth Network, a history of Fox, earned the Cable Center Award for best book of the year. In the realm of speculative fiction, his essay collection Jar Jar Binks Must Die earned a nomination for the Hugo Award (one of the most prestigious awards in science fiction and fantasy) in the "Best Related Work" category.
Kimmel has also ventured into fiction and drama. His novel Shh! It's a Secret was shortlisted for the Compton Crook Award for best first novel by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. Additionally, he co-wrote The Waldorf Conference, a play focusing on the Hollywood blacklist—the period in the mid-20th century when screenwriters and directors were denied employment due to suspected communist ties. His most recent work is titled A Talent to Amuse.
Industry Leadership and Recognition
Kimmel has played a pivotal role in organizing film criticism in the Boston area. He is a current member and past president of the Boston Society of Film Critics. Furthermore, in May 2012, he helped expand the digital footprint of the craft by becoming the founding co-chair of the Boston Online Film Critics Association.
His lifelong contributions to the genre were formally recognized in 2018 when he received the Skylark Award from the New England Science Fiction Association.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | University of Rochester (B.A.), Boston University (Law) |
| Major Publications | Variety, The Boston Herald, The Jewish Advocate, Telegram & Gazette |
| Award-Winning Books | The Fourth Network (Cable Center Award) |
| Genre Recognition | Hugo Award Nominee, Skylark Award Recipient |
| Professional Roles | President of Boston Society of Film Critics, Co-chair of Boston Online Film Critics Association |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Daniel M. Kimmel's most awarded non-fiction book?
His 2004 history of Fox, titled The Fourth Network, received the Cable Center Award for best book of the year.
Has Daniel M. Kimmel been nominated for a Hugo Award?
Yes, his collection of essays Jar Jar Binks Must Die was nominated for a Hugo Award in the "Best Related Work" category.
Which professional organizations has Kimmel led in Boston?
He is a past president of the Boston Society of Film Critics and was the founding co-chair of the Boston Online Film Critics Association.
What is the subject of the play co-written by Kimmel?
He co-wrote The Waldorf Conference, which explores the history of the Hollywood blacklist.
Where can readers find Kimmel's current film reviews?
His reviews are available at NorthShoreMovies.net and the Sci-Fi Movie Page.