Film at Lincoln Center has officially announced that James Gray’s latest directorial effort, "Paper Tiger," will serve as the Opening Night selection for the 64th New York Film Festival (NYFF). This prestigious gala premiere, presented in partnership with Rolex, is slated to take place on Friday, September 25th, at the iconic Alice Tully Hall. The event will be graced by the presence of director James Gray and key members of the film’s cast and crew, marking a significant moment for the festival and for Gray’s prolific career.
"Paper Tiger" will make its highly anticipated North American premiere at NYFF64, following its initial competition screening at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring critically acclaimed actors Adam Driver, Miles Teller, and Scarlett Johansson. This marks Gray’s fourth film to be honored with a selection at the New York Film Festival, underscoring his consistent presence and significant contributions to the cinematic landscape showcased by the festival. His previous selections include "The Immigrant" (2013) as an official Main Slate selection, "The Lost City of Z" (2016) as the Closing Night film, and "Armageddon Time" (2022), which served as a Main Slate selection and was honored as the festival’s 60th Anniversary Screening.
A Gripping Exploration of Family, Ambition, and Environmental Decay
"Paper Tiger" is described as a gripping and exquisitely foreboding drama that delves into the often-fraught space between the idealized American dream and the harsh realities of life. Set against the authentic backdrop of 1986 Queens and Brooklyn, the film is characterized as an archetypal New York story and a masterclass in escalating tension. The narrative centers on Irwin (Miles Teller), a family man and engineer who harbors aspirations for middle-class comforts. His life takes a perilous turn when he is drawn into a dubious scheme by his brother, Gary (Adam Driver), a former NYPD officer.
Gary believes he can profit from a clandestine operation involving Russian criminals who are allegedly involved in dumping oil near the Gowanus Canal, circumventing environmental regulations. However, this venture quickly spirals out of control, jeopardizing not only Gary but also Irwin, his wife Hester (Scarlett Johansson), and their two sons, played by Gavin Goudey and Roman Engel. Hester, meanwhile, is navigating her own personal crisis, adding another layer of emotional complexity to the unfolding drama. Torn between familial loyalty and marital commitment, Irwin finds himself ensnared in forces far beyond his comprehension or control.
The film is further lauded for its vivid period detail and the "marvelous, deeply moving trio of lead performances." Critics have highlighted "Paper Tiger" as a "frightening portrait of pollution in all forms—and the human bonds that can save us from the brink of despair." The film is being released by NEON, a distributor known for its commitment to artistically driven and critically acclaimed cinema.
James Gray’s Enduring Relationship with NYFF
Director James Gray expressed his profound gratitude for his return to the New York Film Festival. "I’m immensely grateful to be welcomed back to this remarkable festival," Gray stated. "This deeply personal film is rooted in New York City, from my upbringing to life-changing family experiences. To be here, at the heart of art and cinema, with our cast and crew—many of whom are New Yorkers—is a privilege. Thank you to the entire New York Film Festival team. It is an honor."
His sentiment was echoed by Dennis Lim, the Artistic Director of the New York Film Festival, who emphasized Gray’s significant and consistent presence within the festival’s history. "James Gray has been a fixture at the New York Film Festival for many years, and we are thrilled to welcome him back as our Opening Night filmmaker with a career-best achievement," Lim remarked. "Paper Tiger is a movie of immense emotional power, at once lovingly realistic and grandly mythic, and it confirms that James is one of the great New York filmmakers—one of the great filmmakers, period—of our time."
The New York Film Festival: A Legacy of Cinematic Excellence
Presented by Film at Lincoln Center, the New York Film Festival stands as an annual celebration of the most significant international films of the year. Since its inception in 1963, NYFF has played an instrumental role in shaping film culture, consistently championing bold and remarkable works from both established auteurs and emerging voices from across the globe. NYFF64 is scheduled to run from September 25th through October 12th, 2026, offering audiences a curated selection of the year’s most compelling cinematic achievements.
The festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse cinematic voices is evident in its history of opening night selections, which have included works by such renowned filmmakers as Martin Scorsese, Yorgos Lanthimos, Todd Haynes, and Joel Coen, among many others. The inclusion of "Paper Tiger" further solidifies Gray’s position as a significant filmmaker whose work resonates deeply with the festival’s ethos.
A Deep Dive into James Gray’s Cinematic Oeuvre
James Gray’s directorial career, which began with "Little Odessa" at the age of 25, has been marked by a consistent exploration of complex characters, familial dynamics, and the often-unseen underbelly of urban life. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Gray’s deep connection to his hometown has often served as a wellspring of inspiration for his films. His debut feature, "Little Odessa" (1994), garnered international acclaim, winning the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
His subsequent works, including "The Yards" (2000), his first collaboration with Joaquin Phoenix, have continued to explore themes of loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of choices. Phoenix would go on to become a frequent collaborator, starring in "We Own The Night" (2007), "Two Lovers" (2008), and "The Immigrant" (2013), all of which premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
Gray’s expansive vision also led him to "The Lost City of Z" (2016), a sprawling historical epic starring Charlie Hunnam, Sienna Miller, Robert Pattinson, and Tom Holland, which was released theatrically by Amazon and Bleecker Street. He later directed "Ad Astra" (2019), a visually stunning science fiction film starring Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones, which premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival. His most recent film prior to "Paper Tiger," "Armageddon Time" (2022), was a deeply personal and autobiographical coming-of-age story inspired by his own childhood in 1980s Queens, receiving its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
NYFF64: Dates, Tickets, and Accreditation
The 64th New York Film Festival will run from September 25th to October 12th, 2026. Passes for the festival are currently on sale, offering limited quantities for attendees eager to secure their cinematic experience. Single tickets will become available to the general public on Tuesday, September 15th, at noon ET. Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) Members and Pass holders will have access to pre-sale opportunities before the general public sale. Those who become FLC Members by August 28th will be eligible for NYFF64 pre-sale access and year-round ticket discounts.
Press and Industry accreditation for NYFF64 is now open and will close on August 14th. This accreditation provides essential access for journalists, critics, and industry professionals to cover the festival’s extensive programming.
The NYFF Main Slate selection committee is chaired by Dennis Lim, NYFF Artistic Director, and includes esteemed members Florence Almozini, Justin Chang, and Rachel Rosen. Their collective expertise guides the festival’s curation of groundbreaking cinematic works.
NYFF64 is generously supported by Festival Co-Chairs Susan and John Hess, Almudena and Pablo Legorreta, Susannah Gray and John Lyons, and Nanna and Dan Stern, along with Vice-Chairs Jack Heller and Tara and Roy Kelleher. Additional support comes from Supporters Hillary Koota Krevlin and Glenn Krevlin, and Marcia DB Levy and William G. Levy.
Festival-goers are encouraged to sign up for forthcoming NYFF announcements to stay informed about Main Slate selections, Spotlight features, Currents, Revivals, and Talks.
The selection of "Paper Tiger" as the Opening Night film of NYFF64 signifies not only a major moment for James Gray but also highlights the festival’s ongoing commitment to showcasing films that are both artistically significant and culturally resonant. The film’s North American premiere at this prestigious event suggests a deliberate strategy by its distributors and filmmakers, potentially bypassing earlier festival slots like TIFF or Telluride to make a grand debut on the East Coast. This strategic positioning often allows a film to build significant momentum and critical buzz heading into its wider release. The anticipation for "Paper Tiger" is palpable, with many eager to experience James Gray’s latest exploration of the human condition against the evocative backdrop of New York City.
