A special celebration of the illustrious careers of Liza Minnelli and her father, Vincente Minnelli, is set to take place at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City. Titled “The Minnellis,” this retrospective will run from 13 November 2026 to 24 January 2027 and will feature an impressive selection of 31 films showcasing the exceptional talents of both artistically gifted individuals.
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Liza Minnelli, now 80 years of age, expressed her gratitude and excitement about the upcoming event during a recent interview. She described the retrospective as a “dream realised,” an opportunity to reflect on the shared legacy of her father, who was a hallmark of cinematic excellence. “We were only able to do one film together,” she remarked, highlighting the unique bond they shared. “He was such an extraordinary artist, and of course, my favourite director of all time. Not just because he was my Papa, but because Vincente Minnelli is an unequalled genius.”
The film that Liza refers to is the 1976 musical fantasy “A Matter of Time,” which marked Vincente’s final directorial work. This poignant film starred Liza, along with cinematic giants Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. Liza reflected on this experience, noting, “It gave me the opportunity to work with my father. Being part of it with him — and with the wonderful Ingrid Bergman — is something I treasure.” She further emphasised the significance of the retrospective, stating, “When I think about that film, I think about Papa’s imagination and how much he loved creating a world for his actors.”
Vincente Minnelli’s contributions to cinema are considerable, and Liza took the time to highlight a few of his standout works. She mentioned “An American in Paris” as a prime example of his creative genius, particularly admiring the way he combined various elements such as painting, music, dance, and storytelling in the iconic ballet sequence. “It’s imaginative and romantic and unlike anything else,” she stated with enthusiasm.
Referring to films like “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “The Bad and the Beautiful,” Liza praised her father’s versatility as a filmmaker. “He understood that a film could take you inside someone’s imagination,” she explained, reflecting on the emotional depth of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” where the film’s colours and details resonated with audiences on a personal level. “He could make films that looked completely different from one another, but they all had that Minnelli eye.”
Among her personal favourites from the upcoming retrospective, Liza singled out “Cabaret.” She remarked on the complexity of her character, Sally Bowles, and acknowledged how working alongside director Bob Fosse was transformative for her career. She also expressed fond memories connected to “The Sterile Cuckoo,” stating that Pookie, her character in that film, was unlike any other role she had previously undertaken.
Additionally, the actress found it hard not to appreciate “Meet Me in St. Louis,” highlighting the significance of sharing the screen with her parents. “She’s so beautiful in it, and he created a world that you just want to step into,” Liza said regarding the emotional connection felt through the film.
Liza’s own journey is also intertwined with the histories of both her father and mother, the legendary Judy Garland. Vincente and Judy were married in 1945 and had Liza a year later. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1951, yet both would go on to lead distinguished lives, with Judy passing away in 1969 and Vincente in 1986.
With “The Minnellis” set to unfold, the retrospective offers an illuminating perspective on the artistic legacy left behind by Vincente and carried forward by Liza. As she remains deeply connected to her father’s vision, both through their joint work and her own remarkable career, audiences will have the chance to engage with a remarkable lineage of filmmaking that continues to resonate today. This celebration is not only a tribute to their artistic accomplishments but also a heartfelt reflection on the bond between a father and his daughter, showcasing the magic of cinema that spans generations.
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