Works of Enduring Importance: 35 Years of the National Film Registry

Established in 1988, the National Film Registry is a growing list of films deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” by the Librarian of Congress. Filmmakers, archives, studios, and the public make recommendations, and each December another twenty-five films are added to the Registry, highlighting the importance of their preservation for generations to come. Each year, this highly anticipated announcement has massive implications not just for film workers and cinephiles around the country, but also for the ongoing conservation and legacy of our national film heritage. As of December 14, 2022, the Registry includes 850 films, over 500 of which are represented within the collection of the Academy Film Archive. This limited series showcases the breadth, depth, and diversity of the Registry across its 35-year history.

To continue the celebration of the National Film Registry’s history, this series is complemented by screenings in our ongoing Oscar® Sundays and Family Matinees series during the months of December and January.