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 Oppenheimer (with cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema), The Boy and the Heron, The Taste of Things (with director Trần Anh Hùng), The Zone of Interest, Priscilla (with costume designer Stacy Battatt and producer Youree Henley), Maestro, May December (with director Todd Haynes and screenwriter Sammy Burch), You Hurt My Feelings, Past Lives and Killers of the Flower Moon.
“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 15 to the general public; they’re already on sale to Hammer members.
