'Matrix,' 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' named to National Film Registry

GlobalPost

The Library of Congress announced it added 25 titles to the National Film Registry on Wednesday.

This year's additions for 2012 include "The Matrix," "A Christmas Story," and "Breakfast at Tiffany's," the 1961 film featuring Audrey Hepburn.

CBS News explained the registry chooses movies that are "culturally, historically or esthetically significant, and is meant to focus attention on movies that capture the breadth of American life."

The selections are not meant to be chosen based on the most popular, or best film of the year.

“These films are not selected as the best American films of all time, but rather as works of enduring importance to American culture,” Librarian of Congress James M. Billington said in a statement, the Los Angeles Times reported. “They reflect who we are as a people and as a nation.”

It already includes classic such as "Gone With the Wind," Woody Allen's "Annie Hall,' "Blade Runner." and even historical footage such as Abraham Zapruder's film of the Kennedy assassination, CBS News wrote.

The mission of the registry is to preserve movies for future generations.

This year's entry also included Clint Eastwood's "Dirty Harry."

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