---
title: "SXSW Film & TV Leadership Shakeup: Claudette Godfrey Steps Down, Variety Critic Peter Debruge Takes Over"
date: 2026-03-27
source: Austin American-Statesman
source_url: https://www.statesman.com/business/article/sxsw-film-tv-leadership-penske-debruge-austin-22155723.php
tags: [sxsw-2027, film-tv, leadership, penske-media]
summary: After nearly two decades leading SXSW's Film & TV Festival, Claudette Godfrey steps down; longtime Variety chief film critic Peter Debruge — a Texas native and UT Austin alum — succeeds her, signaling deeper Penske Media integration.
---

# SXSW Film & TV Leadership Shakeup: Claudette Godfrey Steps Down, Variety Critic Peter Debruge Takes Over

A week after SXSW 2026 wrapped, the festival announced a major change at the top of its Film & TV division: **Claudette Godfrey** — who spent nearly two decades building SXSW's film programming into a premier launchpad — is stepping down as vice president of the Film & TV Festival. She will be succeeded by **Peter Debruge**, most recently the chief film critic at *Variety*, beginning April 6.

## Who Is Claudette Godfrey

Godfrey's tenure began as a volunteer and culminated in leading all film and television programming after succeeding Janet Pierson in 2022. Under her direction, SXSW became a launching pad for directors including **Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert** (the duo behind *Everything Everywhere All at Once*, which premiered at SXSW 2022 and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture), as well as **Janicza Bravo**, **Josh Safdie**, and **Benny Safdie**.

> *"Claudette has been an integral part of SXSW for many years, and her leadership has helped shape what the Film & TV Festival is today. She has built a program that is both globally relevant and deeply rooted in discovery."* — Greg Rosenbaum, SXSW Senior VP of Programming

The festival has not disclosed the reason for Godfrey's departure.

## Peter Debruge: From Critic to Curator

The appointment of Debruge marks a notable shift: he arrives from a career in **criticism and festival coverage** rather than programming. Over 20 years at Variety, he became only the third chief film critic in the publication's history, authoring over 2,000 reviews and reporting from major international festivals.

Debruge is also a **Texas native** — born in Waco, studied film at the University of Texas at Austin, and previously worked at *The Austin Chronicle*. He called the role a "homecoming."

## What the Hire Signals About Penske Influence

This appointment is the most visible sign yet of **Penske Media Corporation's growing influence** over SXSW. Penske acquired a 50% stake in SXSW in 2021 when the festival was financially vulnerable after pandemic-era cancellations. The company's portfolio includes *Variety*, *The Hollywood Reporter*, *Deadline*, *Billboard*, and *Rolling Stone* — several of which produce some of SXSW's most popular and profitable music showcases.

Debruge's direct move from Variety's top film critic role to heading SXSW's film division creates a tight institutional link between the festival and the media company covering it most closely. SXSW spokesman Brett Cannon confirmed the change was film-specific, with no leadership changes expected on the music team.

## A Festival in Transition

The leadership shakeup arrives as SXSW continues adjusting to structural changes following its post-pandemic reset. The festival has shifted from a 10-day event anchored by the Austin Convention Center to a shorter, decentralized model. Questions about attendance, sponsorship sustainability, and long-term direction persist even as early-bird passes for 2027 are already on sale.

## Quick Facts

| | |
|---|---|
| **Incoming Film & TV Director** | Peter Debruge |
| **Previous role** | Chief Film Critic, Variety |
| **Background** | UT Austin, The Austin Chronicle |
| **Start date** | April 6, 2026 |
| **Outgoing** | Claudette Godfrey (20 years) |
| **Parent company link** | Penske Media acquired 50% of SXSW in 2021 |