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The Paper

The Paper is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Ron Howard.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Paper is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Ron Howard. Set over roughly 24 hours in the life of a New York tabloid newsroom, it follows an editor balancing a major news story, financial pressures, and family concerns. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for Randy Newman’s "Make Up Your Mind".

Premise

The film centers on Henry Hackett, a New York tabloid editor whose professional and personal life collide during a single hectic day. He is pulled between a major breaking story, workplace pressures, and family responsibilities.

Cast

The ensemble cast includes Michael Keaton, Glenn Close, Marisa Tomei, Randy Quaid, and Robert Duvall. Their characters portray newsroom staff and management within the newspaper's tense working environment.

Production and release

The Paper is an American studio film from Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment. It was released in 1994 and is presented as a comedy-drama set in a New York newspaper office.

Recognition

The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for Randy Newman’s "Make Up Your Mind." This was the movie’s main Academy Awards recognition.

Key facts

  • The Paper was released in 1994 and directed by Ron Howard.
  • It stars Michael Keaton as a newspaper editor in New York City.
  • The story follows one intense day in a tabloid newsroom.
  • The plot involves a murder case, alleged police misconduct, and newsroom deadlines.
  • The film was nominated for an Oscar for "Make Up Your Mind," written and performed by Randy Newman.
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Canadian context

The Paper is relevant to Canadian readers as a Hollywood newsroom film that has been available through Canadian-facing film listings and streaming services, and it remains a commonly referenced example of 1990s journalistic drama.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Paper about?
It follows a New York tabloid editor over about 24 hours as he deals with a major murder story, newsroom turmoil, and pressures from his family and employers.
Who directed The Paper?
The Paper was directed by Ron Howard.
Who stars in The Paper?
The film stars Michael Keaton, Glenn Close, Marisa Tomei, Randy Quaid, and Robert Duvall.
What genre is The Paper?
It is a comedy-drama film.
Did The Paper receive any awards recognition?
Yes. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Make Up Your Mind."

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Paper_(film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, release year, director, cast, plot summary, and Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/paper
    Supports: Genre, director, principal cast, and synopsis describing the newsroom setting and central story.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-paper-1994
    Supports: Confirmation of the film's 24-hour newsroom setting and its focus on the demands of newspaper work.
  4. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-paper/2030132136/
    Supports: Cast, genre, release year, and overview of the film's newspaper-journalism premise.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110771/
    Supports: Release year, runtime, rating, and brief plot description.