Wow!  The election announcement was exciting yesterday!  I, for one, couldn’t wait to hear how those that had been nominated would come out when the final ballots were tallied.  Of course, there were some surprises, but most importantly some long overdue recognition was finally granted.

I’m talking about the National Film Registry’s inductees.  Who did you think this blog was about?  On Monday, The Library of Congress released its list of 25 movies that will now be preserved for perpetuity.

Established in 1988, The National Film Registry (NFR) now has 800 movies in its registry.  The mission of the NFR is to ensure the survival, conservation, and increased public availability of America’s film heritage.  Up to 25 films are selected each year, with the public being able to nominate up to 50 American films that are at least 10 years past their original release date.  The Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, and her staff make the final selections. 

Inductees don’t have to be traditional full-length films.  The Registry contains newsreels, silent films, student films, experimental films, short films, music videos, films out of copyright protection or in the public domain, film serials, home movies, documentaries, animation, and independent films.

The National Library said this year’s selections include a record nine films directed by women and filmmakers of color.  “With the inclusion of diverse filmmakers, we are not trying to set records but rather to set the record straight by spotlighting the astonishing contributions women and people of color have made to American cinema, despite facing often-overwhelming hurdles,” Hayden said in a statement.

Hayden and film historian Jacqueline Stewart will discuss the new selections in a television special on Turner Classic Movies on Tuesday, 12/15, at 8 p.m. EST.