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Nominate films for the 2012 National Film Registry

Congress first established the National Film Registry in the 1988 National Film Preservation Act, and most recently extended the Registry with passage of the Library of Congress Sound Recording and Film Preservation Programs Reauthorization Act of 2008 (PL110-336). Along with mandating continuing implementation of a plan to save the American film heritage, this law authorizes the Librarian of Congress (after reviewing public suggestions and consulting extensively with film experts and the 44 members and alternates of the National Film Preservation Board) to select up to 25 films each year for inclusion in the Registry. New selections are usually announced at the end of December.

The 575 films chosen during the first 23 years illustrate the vibrant diversity of American film-making, and range from well-known Hollywood classics (Bambi, Casablanca, Forrest Gump, The Lost Weekend, and Silence of the Lambs) to landmark independent, documentary and avant-garde masterpieces (Allures, Cry of Jazz, Faces, Growing Up Female, and The Negro Soldier).

For consideration, please forward recommendations (limit 50 titles per year) via email to: dross@loc.gov. Looking for ideas on possible films to nominate? Check here for hundreds of titles not yet selected to the National Film Registry.

Email is preferred; however, to submit via regular mail, send your nominations to: