Academy Museum Sets Judd Apatow As Guest Curator For Comedy Exhibit

Judd Apatow is breaking ground as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures‘ first-ever guest curator for its upcoming comedy film exhibition.

Set to debut in April 2027, the museum announced the series on Friday as the writer, director and producer participated in a 20th anniversary screening of his feature directorial debut The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) with the movie’s cast.

“The cat is out of the bag! I’ll be working with the Academy Museum to showcase some of my favorite films and filmmakers throughout the ages,” said Apatow in a statement. “I am honored to curate this project alongside the museum’s talented team and with access to the Academy Collection. We hope to leave visitors inspired and, of course, with a big smile on their faces.”

The untitled exhibition will be the Academy Museum’s first dedicated to the art of comedy in film, utilizing some of the 52 million items in the Academy Collection.

“We’re thrilled to announce that our first guest curator at the Academy Museum is none other than the hilarious and brilliant Judd Apatow,” said Academy Museum Director and President Amy Homma in a statement. “Judd’s comedies have shaped entertainment and culture, and we know his expertise, appreciation, and love for the art of comedy will bring a unique exhibition to our audiences.”

Apatow was joined Friday by 40-Year-Old Virgin stars Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Jane Lynch, Kat Dennings and Gerry Bednob, participating in a panel before the anniversary screening.

Since making his directorial debut with the 2005 comedy, Apatow has added such titles as Knocked Up (2007), Funny People (2009), This Is 40 (2012), Trainwreck (2015), The King of Staten Island (2020) and The Bubble (2022) to his repertoire.