The Library of Congress announced twenty-five influential films selected for the 2023 Library of Congress National Film Registry.
The announcement was made by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden as films are selected each year for their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation’s film heritage. This year’s selections include a diverse group of films, filmmakers and Hollywood landmarks exploring the drama of history, social justice and reform, the experiences of immigrants and more. Overall, they cover a wide range of dates from 1921 (A Movie Trip Through Filmland) all the way through a pair of 2013 Oscar winners (12 Years a Slave, 20 Feet from Stardom).
With the additional 25 films, there are now 875 films in the National Film Industry. One can fine some of the new selections in the Library’s 2 million moving image collection items. However, others are being preserved by the respective copyright holder or another film archive.
“Films are an integral piece of America’s cultural heritage, reflecting stories of our nation for more than 125 years. We are proud to add 25 diverse films to the National Film Registry as we preserve our history through film,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “We’re grateful to the film community for collaborating with the Library of Congress in our goal to preserve the heritage of cinema for generations to come.”
TCM will be hosting a special on December 14 at 8 PM ET to screen some of this year’s selections. Hayden will join Jacqueline Stewart, a TCM host, film historian, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Director and President, and chair of the National Film Preservation Board.
Stewart said this year’s selections highlight the “breadth of experiences in American culture, in American history.”
“I’m delighted to see several films this year that recognize a diversity of Asian American experiences,” she said. “There’s Cruisin’ J-Town, a film about jazz musicians in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo community, specifically the band Hiroshima. There’s also the Bohulano Family Film collection, home movies from the 1950s-1970s shot by a family in Stockton, California’s Filipino community. Also added is the documentary, Maya Lin: A Strong, Clear Vision, about one of our most important contemporary artists who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.”
Films Selected for the 2023 National Film Registry
(chronological order)
- A Movie Trip Through Filmland (1921)
- Dinner at Eight (1933)
- Bohulano Family Film Collection (1950s-1970s)
- Helen Keller: In Her Story (1954)
- Lady and the Tramp (1955)
- Edge of the City (1957)
- We’re Alive (1974)
- Cruisin’ J-Town (1975)
- ¡Alambrista! (1977)
- Passing Through (1977)
- Fame (1980)
- Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
- The Lighted Field (1987)
- Matewan (1987)
- Home Alone (1990)
- Queen of Diamonds (1991)
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- The Wedding Banquet (1993)
- Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision (1994)
- Apollo 13 (1995)
- Bamboozled (2000)
- Love & Basketball (2000)
- 12 Years a Slave (2013)
- 20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
The public can submit nominations throughout the year on the Library’s web site until Aug. 15, 2024. All films must be at least 10 years old. Cast your vote at loc.gov/film.
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