Samuel L. Jackson: An American Cinematheque Retrospective

The American Cinematheque is thrilled to host this retrospective for one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, Samuel L. Jackson. Appearing in well over 100 films, Jackson has made an unparalleled impact on American cinema with his unforgettable roles, from the philosopher hitman Jules in PULP FICTION, to the energized DJ Mister Señor Love Daddy in DO THE RIGHT THING, to Nick Fury in the Marvel franchise, as well as countless others.

For decades, Jackson has commanded the box office, while receiving consistent critical acclaim for his performances, and collaborating with some of the leading directors in modern cinema, including Spike Lee, Kasi Lemmons, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and perhaps most famously, Quentin Tarantino. His creative partnership with Tarantino lead to the critical and commercial hits PULP FICTION, JACKIE BROWN, DJANGO UNCHAINED and THE HATEFUL EIGHT. In 1995 he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for PULP FICTION and in 2022, he accepted an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement. Our series features eight of his films that showcase his incredible range and versatility as an actor: EVE’S BAYOU, THE CAVEMAN’S VALENTINE, DO THE RIGHT THING, HARD EIGHT, FRESH, THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT, SNAKES ON A PLANE, and DEEP BLUE SEA.

Our retrospective also celebrates Jackson’s impactful work in television, with a screening of the first two episodes of the new Apple TV+ limited series THE LAST DAYS OF PTOLEMY GREY. Jackson executive produces the series and stars as the title character, a 90-year-old who faces a lonely descent into dementia, in this stunning adaptation of Walter Mosley’s novel.

Samuel L. Jackson joins the American Cinematheque and the African American Film Critics Association on June 18th for a virtual panel in association with Perpetratin’ Realism, entitled “90’S REMIX TODAY: HOW THE 90’S REPRESENTS IN TV TODAY,” to discuss his work on this critically acclaimed series. RSVP details will be announced on Friday, June 10th.