5 Criterion Closet Picks to See in Case Lav Diaz Gets His Own Episode
We highlight five favorite Criterion "Closet Picks" episodes featuring selections from notable film lovers, including Ayo Edebiri, Cillian Murphy, and filmmaker Isabel Sandoval.
Lav Diaz’s Criterion Closet Visits
Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz has visited the Criterion Closet twice, first in 2023 and again in October 2025. Though his latest episode has not been released, Criterion revealed some of his picks:
- David Lynch’s Lost Highway
- Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samouraï
- Box sets: Letters from Fontainhas: Three Films by Pedro Costa and Ingmar Bergman’s Cinema
Criterion hints at an upcoming video featuring Diaz’s selections, promising more to come.
Ayo Edebiri’s Energetic Picks
Comedian and actor Ayo Edebiri treats the Criterion Closet like a treasure trove. Reflecting on her visit, she says:
“Thank you, Criterion, for letting me in the closet. I was disgustingly greedy.”
Her chosen films range across moods and cultures, including:
- Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low
- Stanley Donen’s Charade for its precision and charm
- Juzo Itami’s The Funeral noted for its sharp satire
- Charles Burnett’s To Sleep with Anger for its dark, bizarre humor
Other Notable Criterion Closet Picks
Alongside Edebiri and Diaz, other episodes highlight film personalities like Cillian Murphy and Isabel Sandoval, showcasing their unique tastes within the Criterion Collection.
The Criterion Closet remains a beloved space where cinephiles share their passion and introduce viewers to diverse cinematic gems.
Author’s Summary: The Criterion Closet series reveals personal film favorites from celebrated artists like Lav Diaz and Ayo Edebiri, celebrating diverse cinematic histories and tastes.