Kris Tapley Lands at Variety

After Hitfix (stupidly) lost Kris Tapley and In Contention, there was some speculation as to where he would land. Now, Variety reports that Kris has joined the publication as co-editor:

Tapley will help lead the publication’s awards coverage, providing daily, on-the-spot coverage under the In Contention banner on Variety.com as well as a weekly report in the magazine with fresh content during the film awards season. His comprehensive coverage will also include awards predictions.

He will work closely with Variety awards editor Tim Gray and deputy awards editor Jenelle Riley and will report directly to Claudia Eller, co-editor-in-chief. Tapley will start August 24, kicking off his job by attending and helping cover the Telluride Film Festival as the awards season gets under way.

“We are so excited that Kris is joining our great awards team,” said Eller. “I have always been a huge fan of his strong voice and astute analysis of the industry’s closely watched awards race.”

Variety publisher Michelle Sobrino said she is thrilled that Tapley’s valuable contributions will further bolster the dominant role that Variety plays in the awards season.

“Over the past few years, Kris Tapley and In Contention have provided Awards Season pros and passionate observers with sharp, lively analysis that’s matched by his digital savvy. The combination is irresistible for anyone who loves movies,” said Sobrino.

Congratulations to Kris!