Sony Pictures Classics Acquires "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York"

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired global rights to the crime thriller "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York," directed by Noah Segan and featuring John Turturro in the lead role. The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and is set for a theatrical release in the fall. This acquisition marks Sony Pictures Classics' third purchase from the festival, following the films "Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty" and "Bedford Park."

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"The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" follows Harry Lehman, portrayed by Turturro, an aging pickpocket struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing New York City where cash is scarce and technology dominates. As he navigates his diminishing trade, Harry faces personal challenges, including caring for his disabled wife, Rosie, played by Karina Arroyave. The plot thickens when Harry inadvertently steals a valuable USB stick, leading him into a dangerous race against time to return it before incurring the wrath of a vengeful crime family.

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The film features a notable ensemble cast, including Giancarlo Esposito, Tatiana Maslany, Steve Buscemi, Victoria Moroles, Will Price, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Noah Segan, known for his collaborations with Rian Johnson on films like "Looper" and the "Knives Out" trilogy, wrote and directed the film. The production was backed by MRC and T-Street Productions, with Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman among the producers.

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Critics have responded positively to "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York." Variety's Tomris Laffly described it as an "unapologetically local love letter to the Big Apple," while Deadline's Damon Wise praised Turturro's performance, calling it a "wonderfully acted love letter to the Manhattan indies that dominated the ’80s." Sony Pictures Classics expressed confidence in the film's potential success, stating it would be a "big hit this fall with audiences everywhere."

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Noah Segan emphasized the importance of authenticity in capturing New York's essence, stating, “As a multi-generational New Yorker, capturing the soul and energy of our city was a requirement for ‘The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.’ No one embodies that vibe more than John Turturro.” He also acknowledged the contributions of his cast, including Buscemi and Esposito, who have significantly shaped New York cinema.

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With a theatrical release planned for the fall, "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" is poised to enter the awards conversation early in the upcoming season, as critics and audiences alike anticipate its arrival in theaters.

Variety Magazine

• “Noah Segan’s ‘The Only Living Pickpocket’ is one of the great New York movies ever featuring John Turturro in the finest performance of his career, and it’s a glorious entertainment,” — Sony Pictures Classics

Variety Magazine

• “It is a great honor to partner with Sony Pictures Classics in bringing the movie to audiences.” — Noah Segan

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