American Cinematheque, celebrating its 40th anniversary, is set to honor actor Michael B. Jordan during an awards ceremony and fundraiser in Beverly Hills on November 20. Alongside the awards event, the organization will showcase a carefully curated selection of films featuring the iconic Diane Keaton until December 6.
Executive director Ken Scherer expressed excitement about the annual awards, stating, “When they created this award, they decided to do ‘mid-career’ as opposed to ‘life achievement.’ Michael B. Jordan embodies this original concept as he continues to ascend in his career while already making significant achievements.” Jordan will be presented with the American Cinematheque Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to cinema.
In addition to celebrating Jordan, the nonprofit is also proud to announce the launch of its archive, which will provide public access to four decades’ worth of Q&As, photographs, and other materials. They are in the early stages of producing their inaugural book that chronicled the history of the Cinematheque, further enriching their legacy.
The origins of American Cinematheque trace back to 1984 when film enthusiasts Gary Abrahams, Gary Essert, and filmmaker Sydney Pollack sought to create a unique cinematic experience in Los Angeles, inspired by the famed Cinémathèque Française in Paris. The Cinematheque began showing films to the public in 1985, quickly establishing itself as a crucial hub for film aficionados.
Scherer noted that the 40th anniversary holds special significance, particularly following the challenges faced during the pandemic. The sale of the Egyptian Theatre in 2018 allowed the organization to maintain programming rights, a critical move for the Cinematheque’s survival. He remarked on the organization’s resilience, saying, “It’s really significant that we’re here, but it’s even more significant that we survived and came out stronger than ever.”
Beyond its L.A. roots, American Cinematheque now reaches audiences nationwide through screenings and events, with the added milestone of becoming international through its Bleak Week festival, showcasing darker cinematic themes. Artistic director Grant Moninger emphasized their mission to intertwine advanced screenings and premieres with classic films, stating, “We are bringing another festival to New York next year and expanding our innovations for membership, enhancing the customer experience even for those outside Los Angeles.”
With over 1,600 screenings and 360,000 attendees each year, American Cinematheque is witnessing a revitalization, particularly among younger audiences. Scherer highlighted the transformation, noting the shift in demographics from 2018 to now, and described the current moment as one filled with reflection and visionary potential, stating, “The stars seem to be aligned, and we are stronger than ever.” As the organization looks ahead, it is poised to enrich the cinematic landscape for many more years to come.