Five movies featuring Latino actors in lead roles have been inducted into the National Film Registry for the first time in history.
Each year, the Library of Congress selects 25 films that showcase the range and diversity of American film heritage to increase awareness for its preservation in the National Film Registry, according to the Library of Congress’ website.
The Latino-led movies inducted last month include the 2001 spy action comedy “Spy Kids,” the 1978 comedy classic “Up in Smoke,” the 1995 drama “Mi Familia,” the 1992 crime drama “American Me,” and the 1982 sci-fi action flick “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.”
As of 2024, there were 30 Latino movies, about 3.3% of the registry’s 900 films, according to the Library of Congress’ website.
“The new Latino-led films added to the National Film Registry tell complex and sometimes difficult stories, featuring Latinos as heroes and villains, hard-working immigrants and goofballs, space travelers and so much more,” Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro said in a statement.
“Together, these films represent a unique cross-section of Latino contributions to American cinema and showcase the talent Latinos bring to the screen,” he added.
Castro, who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, advocated for the 1997 biopic “Selena” to be inducted into the registry, according to statement from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
The film was officially added to the registry in 2021, CNN reported.
“During this year’s nomination process, my office received hundreds of suggestions from movie fans who were excited to share their favorite films. I’m thrilled that four of our nominations were among this year’s inductions,” Castro said.
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Mosaic staff writer Vashti Harris can be reached at vharris@njadvancemedia.com.
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