5 Criterion Closet Picks to See If Lav Diaz Gets His Own Episode
We highlight five favorite episodes from Criterion’s “Closet Picks,” featuring personalities like Ayo Edebiri, Cillian Murphy, and Filipino filmmaker Isabel Sandoval.
Lav Diaz and His Criterion Closet Visits
Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz has appeared in the Criterion Closet twice—first in 2023 and again in October 2025. Although an episode from his recent visit has not yet been released, Diaz chose works including David Lynch’s Lost Highway, Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samouraï, plus box sets Letters from Fontainhas: Three Films by Pedro Costa and Ingmar Bergman’s Cinema. The Criterion Collection hinted that more content featuring Diaz might arrive soon.
Ayo Edebiri’s Playful Picks
Comedian and actor Ayo Edebiri enters the Criterion Closet with visible excitement, comparing it to a candy store. She described her experience as being “disgustingly greedy” with her choices. Edebiri’s picks cover different continents and tones, including:
- Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low and Stanley Donen’s Charade for their blend of precision and charm
- Juzo Itami’s The Funeral for its sharp satire
- Charles Burnett’s To Sleep with Anger for its dark, bizarre humor
“Thank you, Criterion, for letting me in the closet. I was disgustingly greedy.”
Conclusion
These episodes showcase diverse tastes and highlight the unique film passions of each Criterion Closet guest, building anticipation for Lav Diaz’s upcoming feature.
Author's summary: Criterion Closet episodes reveal the personal film favorites of artists like Lav Diaz and Ayo Edebiri, offering a fascinating glimpse into their cinematic influences and tastes.