Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin in ‘Up In Smoke’ | Courtesy: Paramount Pictures

In a momentous recognition of cultural and cinematic importance, the 2024 additions to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry have officially been announced, with American Me, Mi Familia, and Up In Smoke making their way into the prestigious collection. This year’s 25 selections reflect a diverse array of films, a quarter of which hail from the iconic 1980s, and five celebrate the contributions of Hispanic filmmakers, actors, and themes in American cinema.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden revealed the selections today, which bring the total number of films in the registry to 900. The National Film Registry is dedicated to preserving films that are deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant, ensuring that these cinematic works are safeguarded for future generations.

Celebrating Hispanic Voices in Film

(1978) stand out as key titles representing the rich and varied experiences of the Hispanic community. The inclusion of these films highlights the growing recognition of Latino stories in the broader landscape of American cinema.

American Me marks a landmark achievement for Edward James Olmos, who not only starred in but also directed the gritty exploration of gang life and systemic struggles in Los Angeles. This marks Olmos’ first directorial feature to be added to the registry, joining his other works as an actor, which include Selena and Stand and Deliver.

Mi Familia, directed by Gregory Nava, delves into the lives of a Mexican-American family in East Los Angeles, capturing the generational struggles and triumphs of immigrant families in the U.S. This addition also highlights Nava’s consistent exploration of Hispanic identity, as he now has three films in the National Film Registry, including El Norte and Selena.

As for Up in Smoke, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong’s stoner comedy revolutionized the genre and became a defining cultural touchstone. The film not only pushed boundaries in its portrayal of counterculture but also established Marin’s presence in the world of mainstream American cinema, marking his first appearance in the National Film Registry.

A Milestone for Prominent Hispanic Artists

The 2024 additions also underscore the significant contributions of Hispanic artists to film. With American Me and Mi Familia, this year’s registry honors two films that prominently feature the work of Edward James Olmos, who now has eight films in the registry—more than any other Hispanic actor. Olmos’ directorial debut with American Me is especially significant, as it is a raw, unflinching portrayal of the violence and societal factors that shape the lives of Chicano youth.

Similarly, Mi Familia contributes to Gregory Nava’s legacy as a director who has consistently explored Hispanic-American narratives, particularly stories that center on the immigrant experience. His focus on family dynamics and identity in Mi Familia makes it a powerful addition to the Registry.

Meanwhile, Up in Smoke‘s inclusion brings the total number of Cheech Marin’s works in the National Film Registry to two, the other being Spy Kids (2001), which also made the cut this year.

Diverse Selections Reflecting U.S. Cinema’s Rich Heritage

In addition to the films spotlighting Hispanic themes, this year’s additions include a range of other influential films. From 1980s blockbusters like Dirty Dancing and Beverly Hills Cop to influential indie works such as My Own Private Idaho, the 2024 list represents a vast and varied cross-section of American cinema. The diversity of the films chosen for preservation reflects the Library of Congress’ commitment to capturing the complex history and culture of the United States through film.

Hayden expressed her pride in the 2024 additions, noting, “Films reflect our nation’s history and culture and must be preserved in our national library for generations to come. We’re honored by the responsibility to add 25 diverse new films to the National Film Registry each year as we work to preserve our cultural heritage.”

The public’s role in these selections is also vital. Over 6,700 films were nominated for consideration this year, underscoring the deep cultural resonance of cinema in shaping public memory.

With these Hispanic-themed films now in the National Film Registry, the representation of Latino voices in American cinema is further cemented, ensuring that their stories, performances, and contributions will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

Films Selected for the 2024 National Film Registry

(chronological order)

Annabelle Serpentine Dance (1895)
KoKo’s Earth Control (1928)
Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)
Pride of the Yankees (1942)
Invaders from Mars (1953)
The Miracle Worker (1962)
The Chelsea Girls (1966)
Ganja and Hess (1973)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Uptown Saturday Night (1974)
Zora Lathan Student Films (1975-76)
Up in Smoke (1978)
Will (1981)
Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan (1982)
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt (1989)
Powwow Highway (1989)
My Own Private Idaho (1991)
American Me (1992)
Mi Familia (1995)
Compensation (1999)
Spy Kids (2001)
No Country for Old Men (2007)
The Social Network (2010)

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Ivan Gonzalez