By Jake Coyle, Film Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --Ava DuVernay's "The 13th," a documentary about racial inequality and mass incarceration in the United States, will open the 54th New York Film Festival.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center announced the selection Tuesday. It's the first time Lincoln Center's prestigious film festival has opened with a nonfiction film.
DuVernay, the director of "Selma," said "The 13th" is about "why we have become the most incarcerated nation in the world." The film traces the country's racial divide through much of the 20th century and up to the Black Lives Matter movement. Its title refers to the 13th amendment, which abolished slavery.
Festival director Kent Jones called the film "an act of true patriotism."
"The 13th" will kick off the 17-day festival, which runs Sept. 30 through Oct. 16.
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
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