National Film Registry

Origins and legal framework

The Registry was created by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988 as part of a broader effort to coordinate film preservation nationwide. The law established the National Film Preservation Board to advise the Librarian of Congress and to raise awareness of preservation needs. Congress has reauthorized the program several times, reflecting ongoing support for preserving motion-picture heritage; see the text of the enabling and reauthorization legislation for details via legislative resources.

Selection process and criteria

Each year the Librarian of Congress, acting with guidance from the National Film Preservation Board and public nominations, selects films for inclusion. A primary criterion is significance: selections must be culturally, historically, or aesthetically important. In practice, the Registry seeks to represent a broad and inclusive view of American film history.

• Cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance
• Representation across genres, communities, and eras
• Condition and preservation need are considered

Members of the public are invited to nominate titles, and the Registry’s annual list is published so that institutions and the public know which items have been prioritized for preservation; a searchable list of entries and information about recent additions can be consulted through official channels at the Registry site.

Preservation activities

Inclusion in the Registry does not itself guarantee physical restoration, but it highlights works for preservation action. Preservation can involve duplicating original elements to modern archival formats, creating new film prints or digital masters, and storing materials in climate-controlled archives. The Registry helps direct attention and resources to at-risk films, and it supports partnerships among archives, studios, nonprofit organizations and private collectors.

Importance and scope

The Registry's selections serve several purposes: they recognize artistic achievement, document social and historical experience, and promote public awareness of film as a form of national heritage. The range of titles shows that preservation extends beyond canonical Hollywood features to include news footage, independent and experimental work, and recordings that capture everyday life.

Notable facts and distinctions

Unlike awards based on box-office or critics’ polls, the Registry emphasizes long-term significance and diversity of representation. The program is part of a larger movement to safeguard audiovisual heritage internationally, and it complements other preservation efforts carried out by museums, archives and educational institutions.