Elf (2003), film still, Courtesy of Warner Bros.
Buddy the Elf may have taught us that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loud for all to hear, but perhaps you can also do it by cozying up in a movie theater to watch a classic holiday film.
If you opt for the latter to get into the holiday spirit, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has you covered. As part of its monthly film program, Los Angeles’ newest museum is screening Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life.
You can catch Will Ferrell as the beloved Buddy the Elf on Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. The family matinee screening will take place in the new 288-seat Ted Mann Theater, ensuring a communal theater experience of laughter and heartfelt moments. In the final week before Christmas, there’s no better cure to holiday stress than kicking back and watching the ignorance-is-bliss antics of our favorite oversized elf.
The next day celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Frank Capra film. On Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m., treat yourself to a screening of It’s a Wonderful Life in the impressive thousand-seat David Geffen Theater in the museum’s sphere building. What’s more, the evening will feature a pre-screening conversation with cast members Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu Bailey), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey) and Carol Coombs Mueller (Jane Bailey).
So far, the Academy Museum has announced its film and public programming through January 2022. These staple Christmas movies are just a highlight among the slate of films the museum offers, in addition to spotlighting special guests like Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao.
“The museum’s programming teams have worked to develop a robust and dynamic schedule of screenings and discussions that inspire our visitors to dive deeper into our exhibitions. While the schedule certainly offers something for everyone, we also encourage visitors to allow themselves to be introduced to new directors and artists, genres and topics,” Bernardo Rondeau, senior director of film programs, said.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures first opened its doors on Sept. 30 and has finally brought to Miracle Mile a devoted space to the history, science, and cultural impact of Los Angeles’ foundational industry.
Other screenings during December include Ponyo, Little Women, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Casablanca, among others. See the full lineup here.
The Academy Museum is located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd. 90036.
See also: The 10 Best Thanksgiving Movies to Watch This Year
Photography by: Courtesy of Warner Bros.
