Dates: January 9 – February 8, 2026
Location: Museum of the Moving Image, Astoria
January is awards season, but while the Golden Globes are patting celebrities on the back, the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) is doing the real work. Their annual Curators’ Choice series is a definitive look back at the cinematic year that was. This is not just a “best of” list; it is a carefully selected program of films that defined the art form in 2025, from massive blockbusters that deserved critical analysis to tiny foreign indies that slipped through the cracks.
Why Go?
Seeing a film at MoMI is different. The Sumner M. Redstone Theater is one of the best screening rooms in New York City, and these screenings often feature Q&As with directors, cinematographers, or editors. It is an educational deep dive into cinema.
Highlights
While the full schedule is released in late December, expect a heavy focus on international features and innovative documentaries. It is the perfect intellectual counter-programming to the winter blockbuster season. Plus, your ticket includes admission to the museum’s core exhibits, including the Jim Henson exhibition.
Discover more cultural gems in The Essential NYC Event Calendar: Queens January 2026.
