Several cinematic classics and award-winning films have been added to the US National Film Registry
The United States Library of Congress announced the inclusion of 25 films for preservation in the National Film Registry. A selection that stands out for its cultural, historical and aesthetic significance. Films added this year include titles that have become absolute references in popular culture, such as Apollo 13, Home Alone, 12 Years a Slave, Love and Basketball and Terminator 2: Day of the Dead Invoice”.
The newly added films, spanning more than nine decades, will be added to the now comprehensive registry 875 titles protected. Some of the most notable include Disney's animated classic “Lady and the Tramp” and the 2014 Best Picture Oscar winner “12 Years a Slave.” Additionally, the 2023 selection will be honored with a television special on Turner Classic Movies.
“Lady and the Tramp” is another film highlighted by the United States Library of Congress
The Library of Congress's work not only recognizes commercially successful works, but also highlights major documentaries such as 20 Feet From Stardom and Maya Lin: A Strong, Clear Vision. Other relevant films added this year include Tim Burton's “The Strange World of Jack” and Ang Lee's romantic comedy “The Wedding Party.” The registry also houses films that address social and current issues, such as Spike Lee's “Bambozled and Matewan,” about unionization in West Virginia, and “Alambrista,” about the life of a Mexican migrant worker in the United States.
They were total 6875 movies suggested by the public to the United States Library of Congress. People were able to vote through the bookstore's official website throughout the year, and the 25 films included in the exclusive catalog were the favorites in the end.
Ron HowardDirector of the acclaimed 1995 film Apollo 13, spoke to the Library of Congress about the impact the film had on him and everyone involved in the production, calling it an absolutely unforgettable experience.
Apollo 13 director Ron Howard shared how important the project was to him (Source: Universal Pictures)
“It's a very honest and heartfelt reflection on something very American, which was the space program at the time and what it meant to the country and the world. We take it very seriously. I was very proud of the result. The experience remains absolutely outstanding. It was one of those experiences that no one involved will ever forget.“.
On his part Gina Prince Bythewood, The person responsible for “Love and Basketball” shared the intimate experience of creating this story.
“Much of this film was autobiographical. Monica's character, growing up as an athlete, all the feelings she felt, feeling “different” and different, like there was something wrong with her because she loves sports. “These were all things that I had to deal with as an adult, as an athlete and with my parents.”
The director of Love and Basketball revealed that it is a very autobiographical story
Steven Rodney McQueenDirector of the award-winning film 12 Years a Slave, reiterated the importance of addressing slavery, particularly in the context of the 2013 United States.
“For me, Slavery was a topic that was not sufficiently considered in the telling of film history. That's why I wanted to look into it, but also because it was a topic that had a lot to do with how we live now. It wasn't just old-fashioned. It was something you lived and breathed because today you see evidence of slavery.”
“Slavery was a theme that was not given enough attention in the telling of cinematic history,” director Steve McQueen said of “12 Years a Slave.” Source: Imdb
Regarding “The Wedding Banquet,” Taiwanese-born director Ang Lee shared that he didn't expect the film's impact, but he used the phenomenon to talk about topics that were considered taboo in his country at the time.
“I didn't make the film to be influential, but it was. I see some important developments in the film, whether it's about interracial or gay issues, especially in Taiwan and the Chinese community because the film was so popular. “It came naturally into people’s lives.”
The director of “The Wedding Banquet” admitted he didn’t expect his film to become a cultural phenomenon
Spike Lee He also shared his thoughts about Bamboozled and said that he doesn't mind if people feel uncomfortable with his controversial film.
“It's my fourth decade as a director and I don't remember saying to myself, 'Don't do this because the audience might not like it.' And there were even more cases where the public didn't like something, but I didn't care because I have shown the truth as I see it.“.
Spike Lee's “Bambozled” was one of the most controversial films of its time
Below is the complete list of films added to the United States National Film Registry.
- A film journey through film land (1921)
- Dinner at Eight (1933)
- Bohulano Family Film Collection (1950s-1970s)
- Helen Keller: In Her Story (1954)
- The Lady and the Tramp (1955)
- The Man Who Conquered Fear (1957)
- We Live (1974)
- Cruisin' J-Town (1975)
- Alambrist (1977)
- In Transit (1977)
- Fame (1980)
- Desperately Looking for Susan (1985)
- The Illuminated Field (1987)
- Matewan (1987)
- Home Alone (1990)
- Queen of Diamonds (1991)
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
- The Strange World of Jack (1993)
- The Wedding Banquet (1993)
- Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision (1994)
- Apollo 13 (1995)
- Confused (2000)
- Love and Basketball (2000)
- 12 years slave (2013)
- 20 Steps from Fame (2013).