Oscars & Other Oddities

Last year in The Times’ movie listings Sheila Benson did not give a star to “The Color Purple.” This year she starred “Dirty Dancing” but not “The Last Emperor,” which just won 9 Oscars.

I have a few questions:

1--Why is she a film critic?

2--What is her background?

3--Is she near retirement age?

JACQUI HEILAND

South Pasadena