‘Home Alone,’ ‘Apollo 13’ headline new batch of movies picked for National Film Registry
Houston, we have a problem: Where’s Kevin?
Perhaps the ultimate coming-home movie, “Apollo 13,” and the ultimate staying-home one, “Home Alone,” are both being honored this year, selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. They’re part of an annual group of 25 that this year spans more than 90 years of filmmaking.
The 2023 collection includes the sci-fi sequel “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” the Disney animated classic “Lady and the Tramp,” and the searing, Oscar-winning drama “12 Years a Slave.” Just in time for the holidays, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is included.
The oldest film is from 1921: “A Movie Trip Through Filmland,” a very early look at the impact of movies. The newest are both from 2013: “12 Years a Slave” and the Oscar-winning documentary “20 Feet From Stardom,” about backup singers.
The registry is housed at the Library of Congress, which since 1988 has selected movies for preservation based on their cultural and historic importance. The current picks bring the registry to 875 films — some, but not all, among the 2 million items in the library’s collection. Turner Classic Movies hosted a TV special on Thursday.
A look at some of the films entering the registry:
Ang Lee’s romantic comedy about a gay man from Taiwan trying to hide his orientation from his family, featuring an over-the-top wedding banquet.
Spike Lee’s stinging satire about race in entertainment, with Damon Wayans as a program executive at a cable network.
Freida Lee Mock’s Oscar-winning documentary about the artist who created two famous memorials.
Ron Howard’s impeccably told chronicle of the near-tragedy involving U.S. astronauts trying to get back to Earth, featuring Tom Hanks and the famous (and slightly altered) quote: “Houston, we have a problem.”
Susan Seidelman’s uniquely New York saga featuring Rosanna Arquette and none other than Madonna as the elusive Susan.
John Sayles’ tale of efforts in 1920 to unionize a company town in West Virginia.
Chris Columbus’ holiday classic about, let’s face it, deeply questionable parenting that made wide-eyed Macaulay Culkin — aka Kevin — a star.
Robert M. Young’s story of a Mexican migrant laborer in the United States.
A story of students seeking fame at the High School of Performing Arts in