Autumn at MoMA: Department of Film Unveils 'The Contenders 2026' and Steven Spielberg Double Feature Retrospective
Photo Credit: Courtesy of MoMA Department of Film Press Archives / November 2026
Transforming its Manhattan screening theaters into a hub for cinematic dialogue, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) officially presented its autumn film season, anchored by two landmark retrospective programs.
Curated by MoMA’s Department of Film, the flagship series The Contenders 2026 runs through December 17, bringing back the year’s most groundbreaking cinema alongside live Q&A conversations with directors including Beth de Araújo (Josephine), Ryûsuke Hamaguchi (All of a Sudden), Nadav Lapid (Yes), and Na Hong-jin (Hope). Concurrently, MoMA launched Sundays with Steven, a specialized six-part Sunday double-feature series running through December 6 curated in partnership with legendary director Steven Spielberg—honoree of the 2026 MoMA Film Benefit—pairing his classic works with the foundational films that inspired them.
Program Vision & Series Highlights
The fall cinema slate offers film scholars and museumgoers an intimate look at cinematic influence and modern storytelling:
The Contenders 2026 (Through Dec 17): Features key cinematic releases from the past year selected by MoMA curators, accompanied by post-screening Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Featured Filmmaker Conversations: Highlighted screenings include Beth de Araújo’s Josephine, Nadav Lapid’s Yes, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s All of a Sudden, and Na Hong-jin’s Hope.
Sundays with Steven (Through Dec 6): Celebrates 2026 MoMA Film Benefit honoree Steven Spielberg through six Sunday double features curated by Spielberg himself, linking his filmography to his personal cinematic inspirations.
Museum Cinema Access: Screenings held daily across MoMA’s Roy and Niuta Titus Theaters in New York City.
Film Series Schedule & Program Architecture
To assist film critics and museum patrons navigating MoMA's fall cinema slate, the key program parameters include:
Program Title Series Focus & Highlights Dates & Venue Access Details The Contenders 2026Year's best cinema + director Q&As (de Araújo, Hamaguchi, Lapid, Na)Through Dec 17, 2026 | MoMA Theaters Ticketed / MoMA Member Discounts Sundays with Steven Spielberg 2026 Film Benefit honor & 6 curated double features Through Dec 6, 2026 | MoMA Theaters Ticketed / MoMA Member Discounts