Opening Night at NYFF is the one night a year when Alice Tully Hall functions as a red carpet rather than a concert hall, and this year it belongs to a New York director working at full scale. Paper Tiger premiered in competition at Cannes and arrives here for its North American bow with Gray plus Adam Driver, Miles Teller and Scarlett Johansson expected in the room. It is Gray's fourth film selected by the festival.
What to expect
A gala evening screening in a 1,086-seat hall, with introductions from Film at Lincoln Center staff and an onstage appearance by the director and cast before the film rolls. Expect a dressed-up crowd, press on the plaza, and a tightly run house where late seating is limited. The festival continues at Lincoln Center venues for the next two and a half weeks.
Good to know
- Opening Night is the single hottest ticket of the festival and typically clears well before the general public on-sale window closes.
- Film at Lincoln Center members and pass holders get first access; an Opening Night Plus Pass bundles this screening with other festival titles.
- Alice Tully Hall sits inside the Lincoln Center complex at Broadway and West 65th Street, closest to the 1 train.
- Screening times for Opening Night had not been posted publicly at the time of writing - confirm on filmlinc.org before you buy.
- Gray adapted and directs; the cast list of Driver, Teller and Johansson means the pre-show carpet runs long, so arrive early.
Planning Sep 25–27, 2026 in NYC?
This list keeps changing as events are verified. We'll send you the final version the Thursday before — and you can unsubscribe right after if that's all you need.
Common questions
Is Paper Tiger playing more than once?
Opening Night at Alice Tully Hall is the marquee North American premiere. Film at Lincoln Center often adds repeat screenings later in the festival, so check the NYFF64 schedule if the gala is sold out.
How long does NYFF64 run?
The 64th New York Film Festival runs September 25 through October 12, 2026, with screenings across Lincoln Center's theaters.
Will James Gray be there?
Film at Lincoln Center says Gray and members of the cast and crew will attend the gala premiere.
