NAACP Top 100 Films of the Century (1909-2009) sign up and rate the Most influential films of the century

AND THE WINNER IS...

From "Roots" to "Lady Sings the Blues" to "The Color Purple," here's YOUR opportunity to choose from nearly 1,000 award-winners and cult classics and rate your favorites

To celebrate a century of influential multicultural films, the NAACP and Blockbuster Inc. are teaming up to present NAACP Top 100 Films of the Century: 100 Years, 100 Films (1909-2009). Now through April 27th, the public can be a part of history by visiting www.naacptop100.com to rate films by, for or about people of color, primarily African Americans, that have significantly impacted our culture and society. The resulting film collection, which will be announced in June, is being assembled in honor of the NAACP's 100th anniversary which began the year long celebration on Thursday, Feb. 12th.

"While history influences the content of film, so too does film influence our history and change perceptions in society," said Vicangelo Bulluck, executive director of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau. "Now, as the NAACP turns 100, we feel there couldn't be a more ideal time to examine and commemorate how people of color have helped to shape and change our nation through film."

Close to 1,000 groundbreaking movie milestones are nominated for the NAACP Top 100 Films of the Century, from "Foxy Brown" and "A Raisin in the Sun" to "New Jack City", "To Sleep with Anger" and "Roots."

All movie fans are invited to the online rating site to make their voices heard in the selection of the final collection of 100 films to be announced this summer. A synopsis, movie artwork, cast/director information and/or movie trailers are provided to help individuals make their ratings. In addition, those who wish to view or revisit the nominated films can rent any films currently available on DVD at www.blockbuster.com. A selection of nominated films will also be available for rent in participating Blockbuster stores.

"Browsing through the films nominated for the NAACP Top 100 Films of the Century is like flipping the pages of a history book," said Joyce Woodward, senior vice president of film product with Blockbuster Inc. "Award-winning films, laugh-out-loud comedies, cult favorites, poignant dramatic works and everything in between reflect the struggles, accomplishments and rich humanity of people of color, both in entertainment and the world at large."

Films in the rating library were selected by a panel of A-list directors, professors, film historians and other movie experts. To further narrow the list of influential films to the top 100, members of the film industry and the general public are asked to consider the following criteria when rating works:

• The Ideals and Mission of the NAACP, giving special consideration for works that influenced society to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination and ensure equal rights.
  
• Social Relevance, including films that increased awareness of and dialogue about issues facing people of color.
  
• Accurate, Multidimensional Portrayals, including films fairly and accurately portraying people of color and their experiences in all their complexity, dignity, humor and humanity.
  
• Other criteria to be considered are Originality, Creative Significance, Critical Acknowledgement and Popularity.
  

All works being considered for the NAACP Top 100 Films of the Century are feature films, made-for-television movies, long-form narratives (such as a miniseries) or documentaries produced and distributed between February 12, 1909 and February 12, 2009 that are for, by or about people of color, primarily African Americans. All works feature people of color in prominent roles and explore issues and stories relevant to people of color.

For more information about films included in the library, the panel of film industry experts that chose them and more, visit www.naacptop100.com.

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