09/02/2025
● Preservation of the Film Selena (1997) in the National Film Registry
The 1997 biographical film Selena, directed by Gregory Nava and starring Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo) as the titular Tejano music superstar Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2021. This prestigious honor recognizes films deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" to American cinema. Established by Congress in 1988, the Registry adds 25 films annually to ensure the long-term preservation of America's cinematic heritage, with selections dating back nearly 120 years in some cases. As of 2021, Selena became one of 825 films in the Registry, joining other notable 2021 inductees like Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and WALL-E.
• Background on the Film and Its Significance
Selena chronicles the life and rise to fame of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, a beloved Mexican-American singer from Corpus Christi, Texas, who became a Tejano music icon in the 1980s and 1990s. The film covers her early years performing with her family's band, her breakthrough success (including sold-out shows at the Houston Astrodome), her secret marriage to guitarist Chris Pérez (played by Jon Seda), and her tragic murder at age 23 in 1995 by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club. Edward James Olmos portrays Selena's father, Abraham Quintanilla, who managed her career.
Released on March 21, 1997, by Warner Bros. Pictures, the movie was produced on a $20 million budget and grossed $35 million worldwide. It received positive reviews for its heartfelt portrayal of family, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience, earning a 73% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Jennifer Lopez's performance was a breakout moment, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy and catapulting her to stardom. Critics praised Lopez for capturing Selena's energy, charm, and mannerisms, with Roger Ebert noting she was "radiant" and effectively lip-synched to Selena's actual recordings. The film also introduced Selena's music to broader English-speaking audiences, blending traditional Mexican styles with rock and pop, and has been credited with awakening corporate America to the growing influence and buying power of Latino communities.
The Library of Congress highlighted Selena as a "touchstone in Latin American culture," emphasizing its role in reflecting universal themes of cultural identity, assimilation, and the challenges faced by Mexican-American communities navigating bilingual and bicultural lives. It underscores the film's importance in Latino cinema, proving that "Latino stories are American stories."