Sharon Waxman

Sharon Waxman is an American journalist, author and media entrepreneur who founded The Wrap, a digital news organization covering entertainment and media. She previously worked as a Hollywood correspondent for The New York Times and The Washington Post. Her books include "Rebels on the Backlot" (2005), which chronicled six maverick directors who transformed American cinema in the 1990s, and "Loot: The Battle over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World" (2008), an investigation into archaeological artifacts and museum controversies. As a journalist, she has extensively covered the entertainment industry, cultural issues, and international news. The Wrap, launched by Waxman in 2009, has become a significant voice in entertainment industry coverage, providing news and analysis about Hollywood and media. Her work consistently focuses on the intersection of culture, business, and media, with particular attention to major industry shifts and transformations. Waxman's reporting has earned recognition from major media organizations, and she regularly appears as a commentator on media issues. She continues to lead The Wrap while contributing analysis and commentary on entertainment industry trends and developments.

Readers value Waxman's insider access and investigative depth but note her dense writing style can be challenging to follow. For "Rebels on the Backlot," readers highlight her detailed research into 1990s filmmaking and behind-the-scenes stories about directors like Quentin Tarantino and David Fincher. Praise focuses on: - In-depth reporting and industry sources - Historical context for Hollywood changes - Documentation of filmmaker careers Common criticisms: - Complex, sometimes meandering narratives - Too much focus on business details - Occasional factual errors noted by industry insiders "Loot" receives credit for exposing museum acquisition practices but readers mention it could be more concise. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "Important topic but gets lost in unnecessary details." Ratings across platforms: Rebels on the Backlot - Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.1/5 (85 reviews) Loot - Goodreads: 3.6/5 (400+ ratings) - Amazon: 3.9/5 (42 reviews)

Rebels on the Backlot (2005) Chronicles six maverick directors - Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, David Fincher, Paul Thomas Anderson, David O. Russell, and Spike Jonze - who transformed American cinema in the 1990s.

Loot: The Battle over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World (2008) Examines the disputes between major museums and source countries over antiquities, focusing on controversies at institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Getty Museum.

Sarah Lyall covers culture and media with deep reporting on entertainment industry dynamics, writing for The New York Times about personalities and power players in ways that mirror Waxman's approach. Her work examines the intersection of business and creative forces in media companies.

Kim Masters reports on Hollywood's corporate machinations and executive suite dramas for The Hollywood Reporter, providing insider accounts of studio politics. Her books detail the financial and organizational aspects of the entertainment business.

Michael Wolff investigates media empires and their leadership through books focused on ownership, control, and industry transformation. His writing centers on the business decisions and personality conflicts that shape major media companies.

Ken Auletta chronicles the evolution of media companies and their executives through long-form New Yorker pieces and books about industry change. His work emphasizes the business strategies and power dynamics within entertainment and news organizations.

Nicole LaPorte examines Hollywood studios and production companies through detailed reporting on their operations and key figures. Her books analyze the financial and organizational structures that drive entertainment industry decisions.