Contenders 2017

Program Series

The Contenders 2017

The Hammer Museum proudly presents The Contenders, The Museum of Modern Art’s renowned series of influential, innovative films from the past 12 months. Whether bound for awards glory or cult classic status, each of these films is a contender for lasting historical significance.

Hammer members receive discounted, pre-sale tickets. Join today.

This film program is organized by Rajendra Roy, The Celeste Bartos Chief Curator of Film, and Sean Egan, producer, film exhibitions and projects, The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

The Hammer Museum’s presentation is made possible by The Billy and Audrey L. Wilder Foundation.

Media sponsorship is provided by The Hollywood Reporter. Additional media support is provided by Time Out L.A.

Mudbound. 2017. USA. Directed by Dee Rees. DCP courtesy of Netflix. 134 min.

Mudbound, and Q&A with Dee Rees, Mary J. Blige, Jason Mitchell, and Garrett Hedlund

Mon Dec 4, 7:30 p.m. In racially divided post-World War II Mississippi, two men—one black and one white—forge a friendship based on their shared war experiences.

Mon Dec 4 2017 7:30 PM

Molly's Game

Molly’s Game

Tue Dec 5, 7:30 p.m. After a freak accident ends her brief skiing career, Molly Bloom moves to Hollywood and tries something new in this high-stakes poker thriller written by Aaron Sorkin.

Tue Dec 5 2017 7:30 PM

Downsizing

Downsizing, and Q&A with Alexander Payne and Hong Chau

Wed Dec 6, 7:30 p.m. When scientists discover how to shrink humans to five inches tall as a solution to over-population, Paul and his wife Audrey decide to abandon their stressed lives in order to get small.

Wed Dec 6 2017 7:30 PM

Get Out. 2017. USA. Directed by Jordan Peele. DCP. 104 min. Courtesy of Universal Pictures.

Get Out, and Q&A with Jordan Peele and Betty Gabriel

Thu Dec 7, 7:30 p.m. This speculative thriller is equal parts gripping thriller and provocative commentary.

Thu Dec 7 2017 7:30 PM

Lady Bird

Lady Bird, and Q&A with Greta Gerwig

Mon Dec 11, 7:30 p.m. Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut excavates both the humor and pathos in the turbulent bond between a mother and her teenage daughter.

Mon Dec 11 2017 7:30 PM

The Big Sick. 2017. USA. Directed by Michael Showalter. 120 min.

The Big Sick, and Q&A with Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon, Holly Hunter, and Michael Showalter

Tue Dec 12, 7:30 p.m. Based on a real-life courtship, Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail connects with grad student Emily after one of his stand-up sets.

Tue Dec 12 2017 7:30 PM

The Florida Project. 2017. USA. Directed by Sean Baker. DCP. 115 min. Courtesy of A24 Films.

The Florida Project, and Q&A with Willem Dafoe and Sean Baker

Wed Dec 13, 7:30 p.m. Six-year-old firecracker Moonee runs wild with her fellow little rascals to turn the shabby neighboring area into their own private theme park.

Wed Dec 13 2017 7:30 PM

The Beguiled

The Beguiled, and Q&A with Philippe Le Sourd

Thu Dec 14, 7:30 p.m. The story unfolds during the Civil War, at a Southern girls’ boarding school whose sheltered young women take in an injured enemy soldier.

Thu Dec 14 2017 7:30 PM

Detroit

Detroit, and Q&A with Kathryn Bigelow, William Goldenberg, Harry Yoon, and Vickie Thomas

Detroit tells the gripping story of one of the most terrifying moments during the civil unrest that rocked Detroit in the summer of '67.

Mon Dec 18 2017 7:30 PM

Phantom Thread

Phantom Thread, and Q&A with Mark Bridges

Tue Dec 19, 7:30 p.m. Director Paul Thomas Anderson's illuminating portrait both of an artist on a creative journey, and the women who keep his world running.

Tue Dec 19 2017 7:30 PM