The American Film Institute (AFI) hosted its annual luncheon at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons, recognizing the year's top 10 movies and television programs. The event took place just days before Oscar nomination balloting began. Ava Duvernay presented the selections.
Attendees, including producers, actors, and filmmakers, were honored without needing to deliver acceptance speeches. Steven Spielberg, a guest, noted the event's positive atmosphere compared to other awards shows where outcomes are uncertain. Spielberg, an AFI Life Achievement Award recipient, received a special mention during the welcome remarks by AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale, who referenced Spielberg's earlier recognition in 1995. George Clooney, another AFI Life Achievement Award recipient, was also present.
Bob Gazzale's opening remarks addressed the mixed emotions of the past year, emphasizing the importance of storytelling. AFI founder George Stevens Jr. and Carol Burnett, who delivered a benediction, received standing ovations.
Honored Films and TV Programs
The luncheon showcased clips from honored films and TV programs. Recognized films included Avatar: Fire and Ash, Bugonia, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Jay Kelly, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sinners, Train Dreams, and Wicked: For Good. A special award was given to Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident. Honored TV programs were Adolescence, Andor, Death by Lightning, The Diplomat, The Lowdown, The Pitt, Pluribus, Severance, The Studio, and Task.
Notable Attendees and Industry Discussions
Notable attendees included Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Guillermo del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Jessie Buckley, Chloé Zhao, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro, Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler, Joel Edgerton, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Stephen Graham, Diego Luna, Ethan Hawke, Rhea Seehorn, Adam Scott, Seth Rogen, Vince Gilligan, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Timothée Chalamet.
Conversations among attendees included producer David Heyman denying rumors about Callum Turner being cast as the new James Bond. Frank Marshall and AFI Board of Trustees Chair Kathleen Kennedy discussed Spain's Oscar entry, Sirât, and Marshall's ongoing documentary on Barbra Streisand.
Upcoming Awards Season Events
The period leading up to the Golden Globes and Oscar nomination balloting is marked by numerous industry events. These include the BAFTA Tea, the AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards, various studio receptions, Film Independent's Indie Spirit nominees event, and a musical event featuring Steven Schwartz. Campaign consultants are actively promoting contenders during this time.
Leonard Maltin Honored
On the preceding Saturday, Leonard Maltin received the Critics Choice Association's Critics Critic Award, presented by Pete Hammond at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica. This award had not been given in over two decades. Maltin expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the satisfaction he derives from helping to make quality filmmaking known to more people.