Ariana Martinez is a freelance film critic and culture writer. They have contributed to sites, including TheWrap and Polyester Zine, and print publications, such as Depth Cues and Little Village. Ariana’s work often gravitates towards explorations of the 1980s, gender, and sexuality in cinema. Under the name Awake in the A.M., their YouTube channel primarily deals with research-based video essays, while their Substack discusses film and culture through a more anecdotal perspective to provide an intimate outlook on the cinematic experience. In 2023, they were recognized by GALECA for “approaching daunting societal themes in film and TV with humor, flair, and perspective.” You can also follow them on Twitter @arianaamarie_.