James Gray’s “The Lost City of Z” will close the 2016 New York Film Festival

Just a few short hours ago today, the Closing Night selection for the New York Film Festival was announced. This year, it will be James Gray’s The Lost City of Z, a long brewing passion project of his. As a pretty big fan of Gray, one who thinks Two Lovers is a near masterpiece and criminally underrated, as well as a fan of his prior movie The Immigrant as well, this is exciting news. Not only is NYFF getting another high profile awards contender, it’s a boost of confidence for a flick that I wasn’t sure would be able to find a place in the Oscar season. The fest certainly has changed that around, to one degree or another. The film, telling the tale of legendary British explorer Percy Fawcett, who ventured into the Amazon jungle in search of a fabled civilization in 1925 and never returned, was an X factor to begin with, it’s now one with a pedigree to speak of. Much like I’ve previously said when writing about the festival, getting to be the closer at NYFF is traditionally a pretty big deal for a flick. Unless this year turns out to be an anomaly like last year was, it more or less launches you straight into the heart of the Oscar race. Over the past 15 years, almost nothing in this slot has failed to garner at least one citation from the Academy, with everything being true contenders in multiple categories, excluding 2015. In fact, we have one Best Picture winner, five Best Picture nominees, and over a half dozen that have taken home Academy Awards in one category or another. It’s probably even more important of a spot to be in than the Opening Night Selection, even if that one is a bit glitzier. Just look at what two years ago’s pick to finish off the fest was…Birdman. Enough said (though yes, Miles Ahead last year is the exception that basically proves the rule). Below you can see what the past 15 years have looked like with this slot at NYFF: 2015 – Miles Ahead 2014 – Birdman 2013 – Her 2012 – Flight 2011 – The Descendants 2010 – Hereafter 2009 – Broken Embraces 2008 – The Wrestler 2007 – Persepolis 2006 – Pan’s Labyrinth 2005 – Caché 2004 – Sideways 2003 – 21 Grams 2002 – Talk to Her 2001 – In Praise of Love 2000 – Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon That’s some great taste overall on the part of the [...]