This panel will dive into the increasingly important role of film critics in the life cycle of a film, especially for LGBTQ stories, influencing its cultural impact on community acceptance and the industry. Using examples of controversial awards darlings and underrated LGBTQ film fare, panelists will weigh in about responsible media criticism and the role of representation in a larger cultural context. The panel, supported by Rotten Tomatoes, will get into how critic infrastructure is changing, underscoring how diversified voices can shift the trajectory and success of authentic storytelling.