“Like few films in recent years, Peter Bogdanovich’s THE LAST PICTURE SHOW ends with us wanting to see more of the people who occupy the small town world that is Anarene, Texas in 1951.” - Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune
Directed by the late, great Peter Bogdanovich and released in 1971 to critical acclaim, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW garnered not only a place in Siskel’s top five films of the year but also eight Academy Award nominations and was hailed as the most important work by a young American director since CITIZEN KANE. A surprisingly frank, bittersweet drama of social and sexual mores in small-town Texas, the film features an impeccable cast led by Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, and Timothy Bottoms. Cloris Leachman and Ben Johnson each won Oscars for their work in supporting roles.
Awards & Nominations
1972 Academy Awards - Winner, Best Actor in a Supporting Role
1972 Academy Awards - Winner, Best Actress in a Supporting Role
1972 Academy Awards - Nomination, Best Picture
1972 Academy Awards - Nomination, Best Director
Gene's Favorites
To wrap up our 25 Years on State Street celebration, we are pleased to present five films championed by our namesake, Chicago film critic, Gene Siskel. November 28–December 29, 2026.
25 For 25
To celebrate 25 years on State Street, the 25 For 25 series revisits standout titles from our State Street history, spotlighting films that have lit up our screens since 2001 and reflecting on the Siskel Film Center’s programming legacy. Each selection connects to a past Siskel program, highlighting the Siskel Film Center’s long-standing commitment to diverse and innovative curation.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu