The Library of Congress announced Tuesday the annual list of 25 films that were chosen to be preserved in its National Film Registry.
The National Film Registry is a list of films that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” and don’t necessarily represent the “best” movies of all time, but are works of “enduring importance” to American culture, per the Library of Congress. There are 825 total films listed on the registry, with the oldest being “The Newark Athlete” made in 1891.
This year’s picks include “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “Selena.” Several documentaries were also chosen, including “The Murder of Fred Hampton” and “Who Killed Vincent Chin?”
The addition of “Return of the Jedi” comes after a yearslong campaign by “Star Wars” fans to add the film to the registry, The New York Times reported. The official “Star Wars” Twitter account celebrated the announcement.
The movies are chosen for inclusion by members of the National Film Preservation Board and other experts, but members of the public are invited to suggest films via an online form, The Washington Post reported.