Library of Congress Adds Timeless Drama 'Philadelphia' to National Film Registry
The Library of Congress has announced its latest additions to the National Film Registry, and this year's class is as diverse as it is compelling. Among them, the 1993 drama "Philadelphia" takes its rightful place alongside some of America's most iconic films.
Directed by Jonathan Demme, "Philadelphia" tells the powerful story of Andrew Beckett (played by Tom Hanks), a gay lawyer who is fired from his job at a prestigious law firm after disclosing his HIV diagnosis. Despite initial reluctance, Beckett finds an unlikely ally in his colleague Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), and together they take on the case that would change the course of Beckett's life.
The film, released in 1993, was one of the first major Hollywood productions to address the AIDS crisis head-on, and its impact is still felt today. The movie's soundtrack features Bruce Springsteen's Oscar-winning song "Streets of Philadelphia," which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
As part of this year's registry selection, the Library of Congress has added a range of films that showcase the rich cultural heritage of America. Other notable additions include the 1956 musical classic "High Society" starring Grace Kelly, and a lineup of other iconic movies such as "The Karate Kid," "Inception," and "Clueless."
These new additions bring the total number of films on the National Film Registry to 925, a testament to the enduring power of cinema in preserving our shared cultural history. The Library of Congress is now accepting public nominations for next year's selections, which will be added to the registry through August 15.
With "Philadelphia" and its fellow new additions, the National Film Registry continues to celebrate America's most significant films, and remind us of the importance of their preservation for future generations.
The Library of Congress has announced its latest additions to the National Film Registry, and this year's class is as diverse as it is compelling. Among them, the 1993 drama "Philadelphia" takes its rightful place alongside some of America's most iconic films.
Directed by Jonathan Demme, "Philadelphia" tells the powerful story of Andrew Beckett (played by Tom Hanks), a gay lawyer who is fired from his job at a prestigious law firm after disclosing his HIV diagnosis. Despite initial reluctance, Beckett finds an unlikely ally in his colleague Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), and together they take on the case that would change the course of Beckett's life.
The film, released in 1993, was one of the first major Hollywood productions to address the AIDS crisis head-on, and its impact is still felt today. The movie's soundtrack features Bruce Springsteen's Oscar-winning song "Streets of Philadelphia," which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
As part of this year's registry selection, the Library of Congress has added a range of films that showcase the rich cultural heritage of America. Other notable additions include the 1956 musical classic "High Society" starring Grace Kelly, and a lineup of other iconic movies such as "The Karate Kid," "Inception," and "Clueless."
These new additions bring the total number of films on the National Film Registry to 925, a testament to the enduring power of cinema in preserving our shared cultural history. The Library of Congress is now accepting public nominations for next year's selections, which will be added to the registry through August 15.
With "Philadelphia" and its fellow new additions, the National Film Registry continues to celebrate America's most significant films, and remind us of the importance of their preservation for future generations.
. But honestly, can you believe some people thought Tom Hanks was gay back then? Like, what is wrong with us? 
Denzel Washington killed it in that film, and Tom's performance still gives me chills. The way the movie tackles AIDS is so raw and unflinching – it's no wonder it's considered a landmark film. And that soundtrack? Bruce Springsteen's "Streets of Philadelphia" is iconic 
. I'm not surprised they included more '80s and '90s classics this year – those were some wild times 
. What do you guys think about the new additions to the registry?
I gotta say, Tom Hanks was amazing in that movie, and Denzel Washington too... it's crazy how much impact it had back then on the AIDS crisis awareness 
. And can you believe they added more classics like 'High Society' and 'Clueless' too? It's awesome to see these iconic movies getting recognition 
. The Library of Congress is doing a great job preserving our film history, and I'm sure these new additions will be super helpful for future historians & filmmakers 
. I love how these additions showcase America's rich history and cultural diversity, I feel like we're learning so much more than just facts in school 
philadelphia is like one of my fave movies of all time, and to see it get added to the national film registry is just amazing 
tom hanks and denzel washington are literally legends and their chemistry on screen is still giving me chills 
i'm also so down for the soundtrack - "streets of philadelphia" by bruce springsteen is like my jam 
can't wait to see what other iconic movies get added next year 
But at the same time, I guess it's great that the movie is still relevant and stuff, even if it was released over 30 years ago. And honestly, who am I to decide what's worthy of being remembered for future generations? Maybe I'm just missing something about 'High Society'... 
still crazy how much it addressed back then, really proud that denzel washington got a nod too 
also love how they're still adding new classics to the registry 
. And can we talk about the soundtrack? Bruce Springsteen's song is still giving me chills every time I listen to it 
. It's amazing that it's being recognized as part of our cultural heritage 
I'm so glad to see "Philadelphia" getting the recognition it deserves on the National Film Registry! 
. It's amazing to think about how this film has stood the test of time, and it's a testament to its impact that we're still talking about it today 
! TOM HANKS AND DENZEL WASHINGTON ARE TRULY GRRRREAT IN THIS MOVIE!!! IT'S SUCH A POWERFUL STORY ABOUT HUMANITY, LOVE, AND FIGHTING AGAINST STIGMA 
. I FEEL SO PROUD TO SEE THIS FILM BEING PRESERVED FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS 
. I mean, it's a movie that still resonates with people today, you know? The way it tackles tough topics like HIV and homophobia back in the day was really groundbreaking 
. Can't wait to see what other movies get added to the registry next year!
also why do they always have to announce these things like it's some kind of big deal? 
like, we're still fighting for equality today and it's still not cool that some ppl are homophobic or whatever 
can't wait to see what next year's selections bring 
. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington gave incredible performances, and that soundtrack by Bruce Springsteen is still giving me chills 
. But for real though, films like "Philadelphia" are so important in showing how far we've come with issues like AIDS awareness and LGBTQ+ rights