Films & Events

Directed by Nora Ephron, Sleepless in Seattle is one of the defining romantic comedies of the 1990s and a landmark in modern Hollywood romance. Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan at the height of their star power, the film follows Annie Reed, a Baltimore journalist who becomes captivated by the voice of widowed architect Sam Baldwin after he shares his story of lost love on a national radio show. Moved by his vulnerability—and inspired by An Affair to Remember—Annie embarks on a cross-country emotional leap of faith that leads to an iconic Valentine’s Day rendezvous atop the Empire State Building.

Released in 1993, the film was both a critical and commercial triumph. It earned two Academy Award nominations (Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Song), three Golden Globe nominations including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and additional recognition from BAFTA and the Writers Guild.

Praised for Ephron’s witty yet heartfelt direction and the effortless chemistry between Hanks and Ryan—even though their characters share minimal screen time—the film redefined the genre for a new generation. Often cited among the greatest romantic comedies ever made, Sleepless in Seattle cemented Ephron’s legacy as a master of intelligent, emotionally resonant love stories and remains a touchstone of 1990s cinema.

1993. 105 min.

Rated PG for some language.