Each year, 25 new films over 10 years old are added to the National Film Registry, an archive collecting some of the most culturally important motion pictures produced since the industry's inception. The new additions include films dating back to the 1910s, but have also honored more recent blockbusters such as The Dark Knight and Shrek, as reported by THR.

This year, the registry has committed to showcasing more diversity amongst the directors of films featured. "With the inclusion of diverse filmmakers, we are not trying to set records but rather to set the record straight by spotlighting the astonishing contributions women and people of color have made to American cinema despite facing often-overwhelming hurdles," Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden explained.

The new additions have nine titled helmed by women, including Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker and Ida Lupino's Outrage. Seven directors of color have also been featured, including Melvin Van Peeples' Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, Wayne Wang's The Joy Luck Club, and Kathleen Collins' Losing Ground.