The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures announced today that legendary writer, director and producer Judd Apatow would be the Academy Museum’s first guest curator of its newest comedy film exhibition focused on celebrating and presenting the comedy genre and filmmakers.
The announcement occurred during the Academy Museum’s 20th Anniversary celebration and screening of Apatow’s hit feature directorial debut, The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005), as part of an onstage conversation between Apatow, Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Jane Lynch, Gerry Bednob, and Kat Dennings in the museum’s David Geffen Theater. On the evening of the event, audiences were treated to behind-the-scenes stories of the making of the film and heartfelt moments and anecdotes from Apatow, Carell, Keener, Lynch, Bednob, and Dennings on how this classic film came together.
Slated for April 2027, the yet-to-be-titled exhibition is the first Academy Museum exhibition dedicated to the art of comedy in film. Using the resources of the Academy Collection–which includes over 52 million items across the Academy Museum, the Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library, and the Academy Film Archive– and through original content featuring a diverse range of comedy filmmakers, Apatow will bring his sense of humor and decades of comedy expertise and fandom to the museum exhibition.
“We’re thrilled to announce that our first guest curator at the Academy Museum is none other than the hilarious and brilliant Judd Apatow,” said Academy Museum Director and President Amy Homma. “Judd’s comedies have shaped entertainment and culture, and we know his expertise, appreciation, and love for the art of comedy will bring a unique exhibition to our audiences.”
“The cat is out of the bag! I’ll be working with the Academy Museum to showcase some of my favorite films and filmmakers throughout the ages,” said Apatow. “I am honored to curate this project alongside the museum’s talented team and with access to the Academy Collection. We hope to leave visitors inspired and, of course, with a big smile on their faces.”
