5 Criterion Closet Picks to See in Case Lav Diaz Gets His Own Episode

We highlight five favorite episodes from Criterion’s “Closet Picks,” featuring guests like Ayo Edebiri, Cillian Murphy, and Filipino filmmaker Isabel Sandoval.

Lav Diaz’s Criterion Closet Visits

Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz has appeared twice in the Criterion Closet, first in 2023 and again in October 2025. Although his second episode has not yet been released, Diaz chose David Lynch’s Lost Highway and Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samouraï. He also selected box sets including Letters from Fontainhas: Three Films by Pedro Costa and Ingmar Bergman’s Cinema.

The Criterion Collection hinted, “more to come,” suggesting a future “Closet Picks” video featuring Diaz.

Favorite Criterion Closet Episodes

Ayo Edebiri: Comedian and film enthusiast Ayo enters the Closet with excitement, saying, “Thank you, Criterion, for letting me in the closet. I was disgustingly greedy.” Her picks cover a range of styles and locations, including Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low and Stanley Donen’s Charade for their charm and precision.
She also chose Juzo Itami’s The Funeral for its sharp satire and Charles Burnett’s To Sleep with Anger for its dark humor.

These episodes attract cinephiles who dream of exploring the treasured Criterion Closet, discovering films that blend diverse moods and cinematic styles.

Author's summary: Criterion’s Closet Picks reveal cinematic treasures chosen by filmmakers and actors, offering a unique glimpse into their inspirations and favorites.

Rolling Stone Philippines — 2025-11-04