Preserving American Cinema: The 2025 National Film Registry Selections
The Library of Congress has announced the 25 films selected for preservation in the 2025 National Film Registry. Among the chosen films are classics like "The Karate Kid" from 1984, "Clueless" from 1995, and "Philadelphia" from 1994. The public's top nomination for inclusion in 2025 was John Carpenter's 1982 horror film, "The Thing," with strong support for films like "The Truman Show" from 1998 and "The Incredibles" from 2004. The selection includes a variety of genres, including silent films, documentaries, musicals, and an animated film.
The films were chosen for their cultural, historic, or aesthetic significance in preserving the nation's film heritage. Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen emphasized the importance of preserving films as a way to safeguard American culture for future generations. The National Film Registry selections are made annually by the Librarian of Congress in collaboration with the National Film Preservation Board, considering public nominations and films that are at least 10 years old.
The 2025 additions to the National Film Registry bring the total number of preserved titles in the Library of Congress to 925. The selected films range from the oldest entry, "The Tramp and the Dog" from 1896, to the most recent addition, Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel" from 2014. The diverse list of films represents a collective effort in the film community to protect and celebrate the nation's cinematic heritage.
In conclusion, the 2025 National Film Registry selections highlight the importance of preserving films that capture significant aspects of American culture and history. The diverse range of films chosen for preservation reflects the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the nation's cinematic heritage for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.