The Contenders
For this annual series, the Department of Film combs through major studio releases and the top film festivals in the world, selecting influential, innovative films made in the past 12 months that we believe will stand the test of time.
Every year there are films that resonate far beyond a theatrical release—if they manage to find their way to a commercial screen at all—or film festival appearance. Their significance can be attributed to a variety of factors, from structure to subject matter to language, but these films are united in their lasting impact on the cinematic art form. Whether bound for awards glory or destined to become a cult classic, each of these films is a contender for lasting historical significance, and any true cinephile will want to catch them on the big screen.
Film at MoMA is made possible by CHANEL.
Additional support is provided by the Annual Film Fund. Leadership support for the Annual Film Fund is provided by Steven Tisch, with major contributions from Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder, Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP), The Brown Foundation, Inc., of Houston, and The Junior Associates of The Museum of Modern Art.
Film series
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The Contenders 2023
Nov 10, 2023–Jan 10, 2024
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The Contenders 2022
Nov 10, 2022–Jan 22, 2023
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The Contenders 2021
Nov 4, 2021–Jan 22, 2022
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The Contenders 2020
Dec 10, 2020–Feb 28, 2021
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The Contenders 2019
Nov 7, 2019–Jan 8, 2020
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The Contenders 2018
Nov 8, 2018–Jan 8, 2019
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The Contenders 2017
Nov 9, 2017–Jan 12, 2018
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The Contenders 2016
Nov 10, 2016–Jan 12, 2017
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The Contenders 2015
Nov 10, 2015–Jan 15, 2016
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The Contenders 2014
Nov 13, 2014–Jan 16, 2015
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The Contenders 2013
Nov 4, 2013–Jan 16, 2014
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The Contenders 2012
Oct 30, 2012–Jan 14, 2013
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The Contenders 2011
Nov 8, 2011–Jan 30, 2012
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The Contenders 2010
Nov 11, 2010–Jan 23, 2011
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The Contenders 2009
Oct 31, 2009–Jan 13, 2010
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The Contenders 2008
Nov 14, 2008–Jan 10, 2009