Michael Phillips

Special Guest

Michael Phillips has been the Chicago Tribune film critic since 2006. He’s a monthly guest on the Filmspotting podcast (also broadcast on Chicago Public Radio). He’s back on Turner Classic Movies this month, introducing “The Best Years of Our Lives,” “Magnificent Obsession” and other films as part of the TCM Spotlight presentation. His most recent edition of WFMT-FM’s series “The Film Score” aired in February and a Memorial Day tribute airs in May. Michael had the honor of co-hosting 100 episodes of the long-running, nationally syndicated “At the Movies,” first opposite Richard Roeper, then A.O. Scott. He began his career as arts editor of the Twin Cities weekly City Pages, where also served as film critic. He has worked as drama critic of the Dallas Times-Herald, the San Diego Union-Tribune, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the LA Times and the Chicago Tribune, which Phillips joined in 2002. He lives with his wife, Tribune columnist Heidi Stevens, and their three children. He’s happy to be back at Ebertfest, and to be working with the second annual trio of Roger Ebert Fellows attending the University of Illinois.