The Library of Congress has announced the addition of 25 films to the National Film Registry for 2024, recognizing their cultural, historic, or aesthetic significance in preserving the nation's film heritage.
This year's selections span over a century of cinema, from the 1895 silent short "Annabelle Serpentine Dance" to the 2010 drama "The Social Network," reflecting the evolution and diversity of American filmmaking.
Notable entries include "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" (1982), marking the first Star Trek film to be added to the registry, and "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984), featuring Eddie Murphy's inaugural appearance on the list.
Other significant additions are "Dirty Dancing" (1987), "Spy Kids" (2001), "No Country for Old Men" (2007), and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974), each representing unique genres and cultural impacts.
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden emphasized the importance of these films, stating, "Films reflect our nation’s history and culture and must be preserved in our national library for generations to come."
The public played a crucial role in the selection process, submitting over 6,700 nominations. Titles such as "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," "No Country for Old Men," "The Social Network," and "Dirty Dancing" received strong public support.
The National Film Registry now encompasses 900 titles, showcasing a broad spectrum of American cinema, including student films, independent works, animation, documentaries, experimental pieces, and mainstream feature films.
To celebrate the new additions, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will host a special screening on December 18, featuring select films from this year's registry. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden will join TCM host and film historian Jacqueline Stewart to discuss the significance of these films.
The National Film Registry's mission is to ensure the preservation and accessibility of America's film heritage. Through collaborative efforts with filmmakers, scholars, and the public, the Library of Congress continues to safeguard these cinematic treasures for future generations.
For a complete list of the 2024 National Film Registry selections and information on the preservation initiative, visit the Library of Congress's official website.
