Organized by New York’s Museum of Modern Art and presented by the Hammer Museum, “The Contenders” series presents 10 influential, innovative films made in the past year that MoMA’s Department of Film believes are bound for big things (whether that means awards season glory or cult classic status). In addition to screenings of all 10 films, most are normally accompanied by a discussion with some of the creatives involved in the project.
This year’s picks include The Piano Lesson (with a post-screening conversation with actor Danielle Deadwyler), Emilia Pérez (with composers Clément Ducol & Camille), Blitz (with writer-director Steve McQueen), Good One (with director India Donaldson) and Late Night with the Devil (with actor David Dastmalchian), plus The Brutalist, Memoir of a Snail, Maria, The Substance and Anora.
“The Contenders” isn’t strictly an awards season spoiler; MoMA considers its picks as movies that will stand the test of time. But the series has turned out to be a pretty good Oscars predictor, with nearly all films nabbing nominations in recent years.
Tickets go on sale November 25 to the general public; they’re already on sale to Hammer members.