Hollywood legends gathered Saturday night to celebrate Nicole Kidman as she received the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Film Institute.
The ceremony featured tributes from Kidman’s esteemed peers and collaborators, including Meryl Streep, Zoe Saldaña, Naomi Watts, Zac Efron, David E. Kelley, Morgan Freeman, Keith Urban, Aaron Sorkin and Reese Witherspoon. The audience also included Lee Daniels, Mimi Leder and “Expats” creator and director Lulu Wang along with Kidman’s co-stars Ji-young and Sarayu Blue. The 56-year-old Oscar-winning actress expressed her deep gratitude for her distinguished career.
Kidman was visibly moved by the accolades from numerous distinguished colleagues, including Miles Teller, who was personally cast by Kidman in his first-ever film role “Rabbit Hole ” which was also her first produced feature. However, her husband, Keith Urban, shared intimate details about their life together, highlighting when he entered rehabilitation for substance abuse five months into their marriage,...
The ceremony featured tributes from Kidman’s esteemed peers and collaborators, including Meryl Streep, Zoe Saldaña, Naomi Watts, Zac Efron, David E. Kelley, Morgan Freeman, Keith Urban, Aaron Sorkin and Reese Witherspoon. The audience also included Lee Daniels, Mimi Leder and “Expats” creator and director Lulu Wang along with Kidman’s co-stars Ji-young and Sarayu Blue. The 56-year-old Oscar-winning actress expressed her deep gratitude for her distinguished career.
Kidman was visibly moved by the accolades from numerous distinguished colleagues, including Miles Teller, who was personally cast by Kidman in his first-ever film role “Rabbit Hole ” which was also her first produced feature. However, her husband, Keith Urban, shared intimate details about their life together, highlighting when he entered rehabilitation for substance abuse five months into their marriage,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Nicole Kidman is the 2024 AFI Life Achievement Award honoree for her film career.
“Nicole Kidman embodies the glamour and romance of Hollywood past – a true screen icon – but she is also a risk taker – and so each performance is something new and something profound,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President & CEO. “And like all truly great artists – Nicole not only gives back – she drives culture forward with her commitment to amplifying the voices of female directors and producers.”
Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Naomi Watts and Reese Witherspoon are some of the presenters who honored Kidman at the event at the Dolby Theatre on April 27.
Related: Nicole Kidman’s Career In Photos: From ‘Days of Thunder’ And ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ To ‘Moulin Rouge!’
The AFI Life Achievement Award, was established by the AFI Board of Trustees in 1973, and is presented to a single honoree each year based on the following...
“Nicole Kidman embodies the glamour and romance of Hollywood past – a true screen icon – but she is also a risk taker – and so each performance is something new and something profound,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President & CEO. “And like all truly great artists – Nicole not only gives back – she drives culture forward with her commitment to amplifying the voices of female directors and producers.”
Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Naomi Watts and Reese Witherspoon are some of the presenters who honored Kidman at the event at the Dolby Theatre on April 27.
Related: Nicole Kidman’s Career In Photos: From ‘Days of Thunder’ And ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ To ‘Moulin Rouge!’
The AFI Life Achievement Award, was established by the AFI Board of Trustees in 1973, and is presented to a single honoree each year based on the following...
- 4/28/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Nicole Kidman has been an international treasure going on four decades. Whether you’re tracking her many wigs (“The Undoing” is our favorite), admiring her textured and committed performances, or just standing up and saluting before every AMC Theatres showing, you’re probably honoring her in some way.
While five best actress Oscar nominations and one win (for “The Hours”) have been adequate markers of her success and endurance, conversations have been brewing for years about a lack of recognition for her remarkable artistic consistency.
“How many times does Nicole Kidman have to prove herself?” asked author Anne Helen Peterson in a 2017 essay for BuzzFeed, one that examined how esteem is or isn’t doled out to women in Hollywood, using Kidman as a template.
“While male actors coast on the brilliance of a single performance for years, female stars have to reapply for greatness on a yearly basis, fighting...
While five best actress Oscar nominations and one win (for “The Hours”) have been adequate markers of her success and endurance, conversations have been brewing for years about a lack of recognition for her remarkable artistic consistency.
“How many times does Nicole Kidman have to prove herself?” asked author Anne Helen Peterson in a 2017 essay for BuzzFeed, one that examined how esteem is or isn’t doled out to women in Hollywood, using Kidman as a template.
“While male actors coast on the brilliance of a single performance for years, female stars have to reapply for greatness on a yearly basis, fighting...
- 4/27/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Nicole Kidman’s friends and collaborators will be in the building when she is honored at the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala.
AFI shared that Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Naomi Watts and Reese Witherspoon are set as presenters for the gala, scheduled to take place at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on April 27.
Fellow AFI Life Achievement Award winner Streep worked with Kidman on HBO’s Big Little Lies, as did Witherspoon. Both Kidman and Witherspoon served as executive producers of the Emmy Award-winning hit series. Watts is a longtime friend of Kidman, dating back to their early acting careers. They both starred in the 1991 feature Flirting. Freeman and Kidman collaborated on the Paramount series Lioness for Taylor Sheridan.
“Nicole Kidman embodies the glamour and romance of Hollywood past — a true screen icon — but she is also a risk taker — and so each performance is something new and something profound,...
AFI shared that Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Naomi Watts and Reese Witherspoon are set as presenters for the gala, scheduled to take place at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on April 27.
Fellow AFI Life Achievement Award winner Streep worked with Kidman on HBO’s Big Little Lies, as did Witherspoon. Both Kidman and Witherspoon served as executive producers of the Emmy Award-winning hit series. Watts is a longtime friend of Kidman, dating back to their early acting careers. They both starred in the 1991 feature Flirting. Freeman and Kidman collaborated on the Paramount series Lioness for Taylor Sheridan.
“Nicole Kidman embodies the glamour and romance of Hollywood past — a true screen icon — but she is also a risk taker — and so each performance is something new and something profound,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A column chronicling conversations and events on the awards circuit.
One of my very favorite events, if not the favorite of all of Oscar season, is the AFI Awards, which started a wild holiday weekend of awards ceremonies and parties. All that will culminate in the Primetime Emmys Monday night, and then the end of Oscar nomination voting on Tuesday at 5 Pm Pt. In other words, this is crunch time.
Emma Stone and Carey Mulligan at the AFI Awards 2023
But for a brief three hours or so (including mingling time), AFI CEO and President Bob Gazzale reminded everyone in a room you want to be in at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel, that everyone there was a winner, no “losers” in sight, unlike other awards shows which also charge you to buy a table for the honor of being recognized. No, the AFI Awards are as pure as it...
One of my very favorite events, if not the favorite of all of Oscar season, is the AFI Awards, which started a wild holiday weekend of awards ceremonies and parties. All that will culminate in the Primetime Emmys Monday night, and then the end of Oscar nomination voting on Tuesday at 5 Pm Pt. In other words, this is crunch time.
Emma Stone and Carey Mulligan at the AFI Awards 2023
But for a brief three hours or so (including mingling time), AFI CEO and President Bob Gazzale reminded everyone in a room you want to be in at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel, that everyone there was a winner, no “losers” in sight, unlike other awards shows which also charge you to buy a table for the honor of being recognized. No, the AFI Awards are as pure as it...
- 1/13/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Ahead of a busy weekend on the awards circuit — which will see star-studded audiences at Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards and Monday’s long-awaited Emmy Awards — some of the biggest names in Hollywood gathered on Friday to celebrate the American Film Institute’s picks for the top 10 films and television shows of 2023.
A-list names crowded the ballroom at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, where films American Fiction, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things and Spider-Man: Across the Universe were honored along with TV shows Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, The Last of Us, The Morning Show, Only Murders in the Building, Poker Face, Reservation Dogs and Succession.
Creatives, directors and stars of those projects were in attendance, including American Fiction‘s Cord Jefferson, Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown and Erika Alexander; Barbie‘s Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie...
A-list names crowded the ballroom at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, where films American Fiction, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things and Spider-Man: Across the Universe were honored along with TV shows Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, The Last of Us, The Morning Show, Only Murders in the Building, Poker Face, Reservation Dogs and Succession.
Creatives, directors and stars of those projects were in attendance, including American Fiction‘s Cord Jefferson, Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown and Erika Alexander; Barbie‘s Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie...
- 1/13/2024
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There were so many stars in attendance at the 2024 AFI Awards Luncheon, celebrating the best movies and television shows of 2023.
The casts of Barbie, The Last of Us, and more were all there to honor their projects on Friday afternoon (January 12) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
The AFI Awards honorees include 10 outstanding motion pictures and 10 outstanding TV programs deemed culturally and artistically representative of this year’s most significant achievements in the art of the moving image.
Stars like Meryl Streep, Selena Gomez, Natalie Portman, Reese Witherspoon, Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and many more all attended the event this year.
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO.
The casts of Barbie, The Last of Us, and more were all there to honor their projects on Friday afternoon (January 12) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
The AFI Awards honorees include 10 outstanding motion pictures and 10 outstanding TV programs deemed culturally and artistically representative of this year’s most significant achievements in the art of the moving image.
Stars like Meryl Streep, Selena Gomez, Natalie Portman, Reese Witherspoon, Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and many more all attended the event this year.
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO.
- 1/12/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The American Film Institute has its sights set on Matthew Libatique.
The Oscar nominated cinematographer, who graduated from the institution in 1992, has been tapped to receive AFI’s Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal. It will be presented during the AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Nicole Kidman at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 27.
The medal is awarded annually “to an alumnus of either the AFI Conservatory or the [AFI Directing Workshop for Women] who best embodies the qualities of the late director: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality filmmaking.” Schaffner, who died in 1989, won a best director Oscar for Patton in 1970. Recipients of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal include David Lynch, Edward Zwick, Amy Heckerling, Terrence Malick, Darren Aronofsky, Patty Jenkins, Paul Schrader, Janusz Kamiński, Caleb Deschanel, Lesli Linka Glatter, Rachel Morrison, Melina Matsoukas, Siân Heder and others.
The honor comes as Libatique has earned raves for working on Bradley Cooper...
The Oscar nominated cinematographer, who graduated from the institution in 1992, has been tapped to receive AFI’s Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal. It will be presented during the AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Nicole Kidman at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 27.
The medal is awarded annually “to an alumnus of either the AFI Conservatory or the [AFI Directing Workshop for Women] who best embodies the qualities of the late director: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality filmmaking.” Schaffner, who died in 1989, won a best director Oscar for Patton in 1970. Recipients of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal include David Lynch, Edward Zwick, Amy Heckerling, Terrence Malick, Darren Aronofsky, Patty Jenkins, Paul Schrader, Janusz Kamiński, Caleb Deschanel, Lesli Linka Glatter, Rachel Morrison, Melina Matsoukas, Siân Heder and others.
The honor comes as Libatique has earned raves for working on Bradley Cooper...
- 1/9/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Matthew Libatique, the Academy Award-nominated cinematographer most recently lending his talents to Bradley Cooper’s Netflix pic Maestro, has been set to receive the American Film Institute’s Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal at the AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to Nicole Kidman, taking place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 27th.
The Schaffner Alumni Medal recognizes the extraordinary creative talents of AFI Conservatory Alumni who embody the qualities of filmmaker Franklin J. Schaffner: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality storytelling in film and television. Past recipients include Libatique’s frequent collaborator (and one-time classmate) Darren Aronofsky, Lesli Linka Glatter, Siân Heder, Patty Jenkins, Janusz Kamiński, Mimi Leder, David Lynch, Terrence Malick, Melina Matsoukas and Rachel Morrison.
While this year will be the ninth that the AFI Life Achievement Award special airs on TNT, air dates for the Kidman tribute special on TNT and...
The Schaffner Alumni Medal recognizes the extraordinary creative talents of AFI Conservatory Alumni who embody the qualities of filmmaker Franklin J. Schaffner: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality storytelling in film and television. Past recipients include Libatique’s frequent collaborator (and one-time classmate) Darren Aronofsky, Lesli Linka Glatter, Siân Heder, Patty Jenkins, Janusz Kamiński, Mimi Leder, David Lynch, Terrence Malick, Melina Matsoukas and Rachel Morrison.
While this year will be the ninth that the AFI Life Achievement Award special airs on TNT, air dates for the Kidman tribute special on TNT and...
- 1/9/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The AFI Awards has made its selection of the top 10 television series of 2023, a list that includes the first-year comedies “Jury Duty” (Amazon Freevee) and “Poker Face” (Peacock) along with HBO’s post-apocalyptic freshman drama “The Last of Us” and the Netflix limited series “Beef” along with Apple TV+’s “The Morning Show,” the HBO drama “Succession” and Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.” There are also three programs also on last year’s list: the ABC comedy “Abbott Elementary” and FX’s “The Bear” (streaming on Hulu) and “Reservation Dogs.”
Among the acclaimed programs that were passed over are “Ted Lasso,” “The Crown,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Barry,” “The Diplomat” and “A Small Light.”
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,...
Among the acclaimed programs that were passed over are “Ted Lasso,” “The Crown,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Barry,” “The Diplomat” and “A Small Light.”
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,...
- 12/8/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
The film and television honorees for the 2023 AFI Awards have been revealed!
The American Film Institute has announced the full list of their Top 10 best films and TV shows that have been “deemed culturally and artistically representative of this year’s most significant achievements in the art of the moving image.”
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,” Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, shared in a statement. “That we do so without competition is AFI’s hallmark, and we are proud to gather this community of artists together – as one – to celebrate their extraordinary contributions to our time.”
Find out what made the list inside…
This year’s Top 10 film and television winners will be honored at the 2023 AFI Awards private luncheon...
The American Film Institute has announced the full list of their Top 10 best films and TV shows that have been “deemed culturally and artistically representative of this year’s most significant achievements in the art of the moving image.”
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,” Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, shared in a statement. “That we do so without competition is AFI’s hallmark, and we are proud to gather this community of artists together – as one – to celebrate their extraordinary contributions to our time.”
Find out what made the list inside…
This year’s Top 10 film and television winners will be honored at the 2023 AFI Awards private luncheon...
- 12/8/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The AFI Awards has made its selection of the top 10 films of 2023, a list that includes the summer bl9ckbusters “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” along with director Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the Netflix drama “May December,” the Leonard Bernstein biopic “Maestro,” director Yorgos Lanthimos’ “”Poor Things,” Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers,” “American Fiction,” “Past Lives” and the animated “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
Over the past two decades, the AFI list is a pretty accurate indicator of how the Academy Awards category for Best Picture will look. Last year, only three movies not included in the AFI top 10 – “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Triangle of Sadness” and “The Banshees of Inisherin”- made that Oscar group.
Among the acclaimed films that were passed over are “The Color Purple,” “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Air” and “The Zone of Interest.”
See‘Oppenheimer’ maintains lead over ‘Killers of the Flower Moon...
Over the past two decades, the AFI list is a pretty accurate indicator of how the Academy Awards category for Best Picture will look. Last year, only three movies not included in the AFI top 10 – “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Triangle of Sadness” and “The Banshees of Inisherin”- made that Oscar group.
Among the acclaimed films that were passed over are “The Color Purple,” “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Air” and “The Zone of Interest.”
See‘Oppenheimer’ maintains lead over ‘Killers of the Flower Moon...
- 12/8/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Spider-Man (Shameik Moore) and Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’
The American Film Institute (AFI) list of the best films of 2023 includes a movie that hasn’t been getting as much awards buzz as it deserves. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse finally shows up on a top 10 list, and hopefully, its appearance will remind critics groups and awards voters to revisit the critically acclaimed animated film.
AFI’s selection of TV programs might also stir up some buzz around Prime Video’s bizarre comedy Jury Duty. Rounding out their top 10 TV show list are the usual suspects, along with the first seasons of The Last of Us and Poker Face.
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,...
The American Film Institute (AFI) list of the best films of 2023 includes a movie that hasn’t been getting as much awards buzz as it deserves. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse finally shows up on a top 10 list, and hopefully, its appearance will remind critics groups and awards voters to revisit the critically acclaimed animated film.
AFI’s selection of TV programs might also stir up some buzz around Prime Video’s bizarre comedy Jury Duty. Rounding out their top 10 TV show list are the usual suspects, along with the first seasons of The Last of Us and Poker Face.
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Group also unveils top 10 TV shows of the year.
The awards group picks continue to roll in with American Film Institute unveiling its film and TV selections for the AFI Awards 2023.
The top 10 films are: American Fiction, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers Of The Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things, and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse.
AFI’s top TV shows of the year are: Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, The Last Of Us, The Morning Show, Only Murders In The Building, Poker Face, Reservation Dogs, and Succession.
Honourees will assemble at the annual AFI Awards...
The awards group picks continue to roll in with American Film Institute unveiling its film and TV selections for the AFI Awards 2023.
The top 10 films are: American Fiction, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers Of The Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things, and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse.
AFI’s top TV shows of the year are: Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, The Last Of Us, The Morning Show, Only Murders In The Building, Poker Face, Reservation Dogs, and Succession.
Honourees will assemble at the annual AFI Awards...
- 12/7/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The list of the 10 films chosen for the prestigious AFI Awards is out, and it is good news for Barbenheimer.
Both summer blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer are among the elite group chosen for the 2023 list by the specially selected AFI jury of critics, filmmakers, scholars, and AFI Trustees.
Also named are American Fiction, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Past Lives, Poor Things and the animated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The latter box office blockbuster is not only a rare animated feature making the list, but also the rare sequel to do it especially considering that 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse did not make the AFI list that year.
Netflix is represented by two films — Maestro and May December — and is the only distributor to have more than one of its movies on the list this year.
No film in AFI Awards history since their establishment...
Both summer blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer are among the elite group chosen for the 2023 list by the specially selected AFI jury of critics, filmmakers, scholars, and AFI Trustees.
Also named are American Fiction, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Past Lives, Poor Things and the animated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The latter box office blockbuster is not only a rare animated feature making the list, but also the rare sequel to do it especially considering that 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse did not make the AFI list that year.
Netflix is represented by two films — Maestro and May December — and is the only distributor to have more than one of its movies on the list this year.
No film in AFI Awards history since their establishment...
- 12/7/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The “Barbenheimer” craze continues with Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” being named among AFI Awards 2023 top 10 best films of the year. Netflix led studios with two movies making the list — Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein biopic “Maestro” and Todd Haynes’ black comedy “May December.”
With an eclectic mix of critically acclaimed and consumer friendly titles, the list of top movies also includes films by newcomers (Cord Jefferson’s “American Fiction” and Celine Song’s “Past Lives”), veterans (Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers”) and stylish visionaries.
The AFI honors contribute to momentum in various awards campaigns as the holiday break looms, as voters catch up on screening multiple titles. A strong bellwether for the Oscars’ best picture category, some of the notable omissions include Michael Mann’s “Ferrari,” Ava DuVernay’s “Origin,” Blitz Bazawule’s “The Color Purple” and Ben Affleck’s “Air.
With an eclectic mix of critically acclaimed and consumer friendly titles, the list of top movies also includes films by newcomers (Cord Jefferson’s “American Fiction” and Celine Song’s “Past Lives”), veterans (Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers”) and stylish visionaries.
The AFI honors contribute to momentum in various awards campaigns as the holiday break looms, as voters catch up on screening multiple titles. A strong bellwether for the Oscars’ best picture category, some of the notable omissions include Michael Mann’s “Ferrari,” Ava DuVernay’s “Origin,” Blitz Bazawule’s “The Color Purple” and Ben Affleck’s “Air.
- 12/7/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The American Film Institute has unveiled its choices for the year’s 10 best films and 10 best TV shows.
The AFI Awards for films, which fete both Hollywood tentpoles and indie fare, goes to American Fiction, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
On the TV front, the 2023 AFI Awards go to Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, The Last of Us, The Morning Show, Only Murders in the Building, Poker Face, Reservations Dogs and Succession.
The honorees will be recognized at a private reception on Jan. 12, 2024, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.
The intimate and non-competitive AFI Awards show each year draws the biggest creative and industry names in Hollywood to salute the year’s best offerings from the film and TV industry.
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times,...
The AFI Awards for films, which fete both Hollywood tentpoles and indie fare, goes to American Fiction, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
On the TV front, the 2023 AFI Awards go to Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, The Last of Us, The Morning Show, Only Murders in the Building, Poker Face, Reservations Dogs and Succession.
The honorees will be recognized at a private reception on Jan. 12, 2024, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.
The intimate and non-competitive AFI Awards show each year draws the biggest creative and industry names in Hollywood to salute the year’s best offerings from the film and TV industry.
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The American Film Institute is out with its annual list of Top 10 outstanding TV programs, and this year’s model has only three titles that were lauded in 2022.
ABC’s Abbott Elementary, FX/Hulu’s The Bear and FX’s Reservation Dogs are making return engagements. They are joined by two four freshman series — Netflix’s Beef, Freevee’s Jury Duty, HBO’s The Last of Us and Peacock’s Poker Face — along with Apple TV+’s The Morning Show, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and HBO’s Succession.
Three of the AFI winners are third-year shows: The Morning Show, Only Murders in the Building and the now-ended Reservation Dogs. Abbott Elementary and The Bear recently were renewed for third seasons, and Succession ended its Emmy-laden four-season run in May. The latter drama and Reservation Dogs are the only series on this year’s list that also made...
ABC’s Abbott Elementary, FX/Hulu’s The Bear and FX’s Reservation Dogs are making return engagements. They are joined by two four freshman series — Netflix’s Beef, Freevee’s Jury Duty, HBO’s The Last of Us and Peacock’s Poker Face — along with Apple TV+’s The Morning Show, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and HBO’s Succession.
Three of the AFI winners are third-year shows: The Morning Show, Only Murders in the Building and the now-ended Reservation Dogs. Abbott Elementary and The Bear recently were renewed for third seasons, and Succession ended its Emmy-laden four-season run in May. The latter drama and Reservation Dogs are the only series on this year’s list that also made...
- 12/7/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
AFI Fest 2023 wrapped on Sunday, and with it came another roster of winning features and shorts likely to land more acclaim as this awards season progresses.
The Live Action Grand Jury Prize winner was “Closing Dynasty,” directed by Lloyd Lee Choi and featuring a wide-eyed, 7-year-old’s view of New York City, while Sean Wang’s “Năi Nai & Wài Pó,” a heartwarming tale of the filmmaker’s two beloved grandmothers, took the Documentary Short Grand Jury Prize. The latter title also happened to win the 2023 ShortList Film Festival Audience Award at TheWrap’s long-running celebration of the best and brightest emerging moviemakers.
In the Animated Short category, Kenzie Sutton’s “Chutes” — an investigative look at capitalism and society through the guise of toys — took the Grand Jury Prize.
The Grand Jury Award winners for Live Action Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short will be eligible for the 2023 Best Live Action Short,...
The Live Action Grand Jury Prize winner was “Closing Dynasty,” directed by Lloyd Lee Choi and featuring a wide-eyed, 7-year-old’s view of New York City, while Sean Wang’s “Năi Nai & Wài Pó,” a heartwarming tale of the filmmaker’s two beloved grandmothers, took the Documentary Short Grand Jury Prize. The latter title also happened to win the 2023 ShortList Film Festival Audience Award at TheWrap’s long-running celebration of the best and brightest emerging moviemakers.
In the Animated Short category, Kenzie Sutton’s “Chutes” — an investigative look at capitalism and society through the guise of toys — took the Grand Jury Prize.
The Grand Jury Award winners for Live Action Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short will be eligible for the 2023 Best Live Action Short,...
- 10/30/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
There’s a scene in the Paul Reubens-starrer Pee-wee’s Big Adventure that finds its titular character setting off on a vagabond adventure. He hops aboard a train to sit side-by-side with a grizzled, toothless man known as Hobo Jack, and they sing camp songs until Pee-Wee suddenly sours on the moment. The disgust radiates from his face and he makes a rash decision to jump off the moving train and tumble into the dirt below. The scene lasts all of 53 seconds.
“It’s such a committed, incredibly short joke that takes so much effort and I think that that has embedded somewhere deep inside me,” Greta Gerwig explained from the podium inside Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday night while introducing a screening of Tim Burton’s 1985 film as part of AFI Fest. The blockbuster Barbie director turned up as part of her guest-directing duties for the Los Angeles-based festival,...
“It’s such a committed, incredibly short joke that takes so much effort and I think that that has embedded somewhere deep inside me,” Greta Gerwig explained from the podium inside Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday night while introducing a screening of Tim Burton’s 1985 film as part of AFI Fest. The blockbuster Barbie director turned up as part of her guest-directing duties for the Los Angeles-based festival,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This year’s AFI Fest is back in full glory, featuring a rich lineup of critical favorites plus a slate of five films curated by guest artistic director Greta Gerwig, whose latest film, “Barbie” has grossed $1.4 billion.
Returning to Hollywood’s Tcl Chinese Theatre and screening films from October 25-29, the event will feature Gerwig’s curated list of films: “All That Jazz,” “An American in Paris,” “A Matter of Life and Death,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” and “Wings of Desire.” AFI Fest will also screen the U.S. premiere of “Lee,” starring Academy Award-winner Kate Winslet, who is a producer on the project as well. The biopic follows the life of Lee Miller, a wartime photographer who documented the Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps, London Blitz and liberation of Paris during WW II.
“I think AFI Fest and all film festivals are monuments to the inspirational power of film, the healing restorative power of film,...
Returning to Hollywood’s Tcl Chinese Theatre and screening films from October 25-29, the event will feature Gerwig’s curated list of films: “All That Jazz,” “An American in Paris,” “A Matter of Life and Death,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” and “Wings of Desire.” AFI Fest will also screen the U.S. premiere of “Lee,” starring Academy Award-winner Kate Winslet, who is a producer on the project as well. The biopic follows the life of Lee Miller, a wartime photographer who documented the Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps, London Blitz and liberation of Paris during WW II.
“I think AFI Fest and all film festivals are monuments to the inspirational power of film, the healing restorative power of film,...
- 10/25/2023
- by Karen Idelson
- Variety Film + TV
The Hollywood Reporter thanks the following 322 members of the global film community — listed alphabetically — for taking the time to cast a ballot to help us determine the 100 greatest film books of all time.
Seth Abramovitch
The Hollywood Reporter journalist/It Happened in Hollywood podcast host
Jo Addy
Soho House group film and entertainment director
Casey Affleck
Oscar-winning actor
Rutanya Alda
Author/actress
Stephanie Allain
Filmmaker
Victoria Alonso
Filmmaker/executive
Tony Angellotti
Publicist
Bonnie Arnold
Filmmaker/executive
Miguel Arteta
Filmmaker
Chris Auer
Filmmaker/film professor
John Badham
Filmmaker/film professor
Amy Baer
Executive
Matt Baer
Filmmaker
Lindsey Bahr
Journalist
Ramin Bahrani
Oscar-nominated filmmaker
Cameron Bailey
Toronto International Film Festival CEO/former film critic
John Bailey
Cinematographer/former Academy president
Bela Bajaria
Executive
Sean Baker
Filmmaker
Alec Baldwin
Oscar-nominated actor/author
Tino Balio
Author/film professor
Jeffrey Barbakow
Executive
Michael Barker
Executive
Mike Barnes
The Hollywood Reporter journalist
Jeanine Basinger
Author/film...
Seth Abramovitch
The Hollywood Reporter journalist/It Happened in Hollywood podcast host
Jo Addy
Soho House group film and entertainment director
Casey Affleck
Oscar-winning actor
Rutanya Alda
Author/actress
Stephanie Allain
Filmmaker
Victoria Alonso
Filmmaker/executive
Tony Angellotti
Publicist
Bonnie Arnold
Filmmaker/executive
Miguel Arteta
Filmmaker
Chris Auer
Filmmaker/film professor
John Badham
Filmmaker/film professor
Amy Baer
Executive
Matt Baer
Filmmaker
Lindsey Bahr
Journalist
Ramin Bahrani
Oscar-nominated filmmaker
Cameron Bailey
Toronto International Film Festival CEO/former film critic
John Bailey
Cinematographer/former Academy president
Bela Bajaria
Executive
Sean Baker
Filmmaker
Alec Baldwin
Oscar-nominated actor/author
Tino Balio
Author/film professor
Jeffrey Barbakow
Executive
Michael Barker
Executive
Mike Barnes
The Hollywood Reporter journalist
Jeanine Basinger
Author/film...
- 10/12/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Previous filmmakers to inhabit the role include Pedro Almodóvar, David Lynch, Agnès Varda.
Greta Gerwig, riding high on the global success of Barbie, has been named AFI Fest’s guest artistic director at the 37th edition of the Los Angeles event running October 25-29.
Gerwig joins an illustrious list of former filmmakers to inhabit the role including Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, David Lynch, and Agnès Varda.
“Greta Gerwig is devoted to cinema, and AFI is devoted to her,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “In 2010, she served on the Shorts Jury for AFI Fest – and across the years since then,...
Greta Gerwig, riding high on the global success of Barbie, has been named AFI Fest’s guest artistic director at the 37th edition of the Los Angeles event running October 25-29.
Gerwig joins an illustrious list of former filmmakers to inhabit the role including Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, David Lynch, and Agnès Varda.
“Greta Gerwig is devoted to cinema, and AFI is devoted to her,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “In 2010, she served on the Shorts Jury for AFI Fest – and across the years since then,...
- 10/2/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Barbie phenomenon is spreading to AFI Fest.
Greta Gerwig, who directed and co-wrote the billion dollar blockbuster starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has been tapped to serve as guest artistic director of the Los Angeles-based festival. In the role, Gerwig will curate a number of films to add to the festival lineup and will be on hand to present one or more of those films depending on her schedule. Filmmakers like Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, David Lynch and Agnès Varda have held the role in previous festivals.
On Oct. 10, AFI revealed the list of films Gerwig has selected. Those five films include Bob Fosse’s All That Jazz starring Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange and Ann Reinking, Vincente Minnelli’s An American in Paris starring Gene Kelly, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s A Matter of Life and Death, Tim Burton’s Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure starring the...
Greta Gerwig, who directed and co-wrote the billion dollar blockbuster starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has been tapped to serve as guest artistic director of the Los Angeles-based festival. In the role, Gerwig will curate a number of films to add to the festival lineup and will be on hand to present one or more of those films depending on her schedule. Filmmakers like Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, David Lynch and Agnès Varda have held the role in previous festivals.
On Oct. 10, AFI revealed the list of films Gerwig has selected. Those five films include Bob Fosse’s All That Jazz starring Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange and Ann Reinking, Vincente Minnelli’s An American in Paris starring Gene Kelly, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s A Matter of Life and Death, Tim Burton’s Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure starring the...
- 10/2/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On the heels of a staggeringly triumphant run with Barbie, the fantastical comedy which she co-wrote and directed for Warner Bros, Greta Gerwig has been appointed by the American Film Institute to serve as Guest Artistic Director of AFI Fest 2023.
An Oscar-nominated filmmaker known equally for her work as an actress, Gerwig joins a lineage of Guest Aristic Directors that also includes such titans as Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, David Lynch and Agnès Varda. The 37th edition of the festival is set to take place October 25-29 in Los Angeles. Ticket bundles have already been made available for purchase, along with the full festival lineup, with individual tickets to go on sale tomorrow.
One half of the cultural phenomenon known as Barbenheimer, opposite Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, Gerwig’s live-action Barbie has proven immensely popular with critics and moviegoers alike, setting numerous records while grossing over $1.4B worldwide.
An Oscar-nominated filmmaker known equally for her work as an actress, Gerwig joins a lineage of Guest Aristic Directors that also includes such titans as Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, David Lynch and Agnès Varda. The 37th edition of the festival is set to take place October 25-29 in Los Angeles. Ticket bundles have already been made available for purchase, along with the full festival lineup, with individual tickets to go on sale tomorrow.
One half of the cultural phenomenon known as Barbenheimer, opposite Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, Gerwig’s live-action Barbie has proven immensely popular with critics and moviegoers alike, setting numerous records while grossing over $1.4B worldwide.
- 10/2/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“Maxine’s Baby,” the upcoming documentary about Tyler Perry’s life and career, will make its world premiere at this year’s AFI Fest.
The Amazon Studios and Bekele Films documentary, directed by Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz, will debut on Friday, Oct. 27 at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood as one of the festival’s centerpiece screenings.
“Tyler Perry is a creative force of nature – a multi-hyphenate who forged his own path to seismic impact in the world of storytelling while also inspiring the next generation to follow in his footsteps,” stated AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale announcing the film’s selection. “’Maxine’s Baby’ is an epic celebration of a modern maverick, and it is AFI’s honor to shine a proper light upon Mr. Perry and the film at AFI Fest.”
Last month, Variety exclusively announced that the documentary, which was nearly a decade in the making,...
The Amazon Studios and Bekele Films documentary, directed by Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz, will debut on Friday, Oct. 27 at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood as one of the festival’s centerpiece screenings.
“Tyler Perry is a creative force of nature – a multi-hyphenate who forged his own path to seismic impact in the world of storytelling while also inspiring the next generation to follow in his footsteps,” stated AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale announcing the film’s selection. “’Maxine’s Baby’ is an epic celebration of a modern maverick, and it is AFI’s honor to shine a proper light upon Mr. Perry and the film at AFI Fest.”
Last month, Variety exclusively announced that the documentary, which was nearly a decade in the making,...
- 9/18/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
A new documentary about the prolific multihyphenate Tyler Perry will be AFI Fest’s centerpiece film next month. The American Film Institute said today that Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story will make its world premiere October 27 at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
The pic from Amazon Studios and Bekele Films is billed as a tender, intimate portrait of the Atlanta-based writer, actor, filmmaker, studio head and media mogul.
“Tyler Perry is a creative force of nature – a multihyphenate who forged his own path to seismic impact in the world of storytelling while also inspiring the next generation to follow in his footsteps,” AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale said in a statement. “Maxine’s Baby is an epic celebration of a modern maverick.”
Related: AFI Fest Sets 2023 Dates
Directed by Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz, the doc promises unfettered access to the inner world of Perry, whose...
The pic from Amazon Studios and Bekele Films is billed as a tender, intimate portrait of the Atlanta-based writer, actor, filmmaker, studio head and media mogul.
“Tyler Perry is a creative force of nature – a multihyphenate who forged his own path to seismic impact in the world of storytelling while also inspiring the next generation to follow in his footsteps,” AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale said in a statement. “Maxine’s Baby is an epic celebration of a modern maverick.”
Related: AFI Fest Sets 2023 Dates
Directed by Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz, the doc promises unfettered access to the inner world of Perry, whose...
- 9/18/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The true story behind multi-hyphenate Tyler Perry’s rise to fame is at the center of documentary “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story,” which is set to make its world premiere at the 2023 AFI Fest.
The Amazon Studios and Bekele Films documentary will be the centerpiece screening at this year’s AFI Fest, taking place October 25 through 29 in Los Angeles. “Maxine’s Baby” will screen Friday, October 27 at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.
Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz direct the film, which takes audiences into the inner world of Tyler Perry, whose story has never fully been told. Perry is billed as a father and a media mogul with a mission to pave his own road to the top. “The film is a profound lesson on remembering where you came from to know where you want to go,” the description states.
AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale...
The Amazon Studios and Bekele Films documentary will be the centerpiece screening at this year’s AFI Fest, taking place October 25 through 29 in Los Angeles. “Maxine’s Baby” will screen Friday, October 27 at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.
Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz direct the film, which takes audiences into the inner world of Tyler Perry, whose story has never fully been told. Perry is billed as a father and a media mogul with a mission to pave his own road to the top. “The film is a profound lesson on remembering where you came from to know where you want to go,” the description states.
AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale...
- 9/18/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The American Film Institute has selected Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” as the closing night picture at this year’s AFI Fest in Los Angeles. Directed by and starring Cooper, and co-starring Carey Mulligan, the film chronicles the lifelong relationship between composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein.
It debuted at this year’s Venice Film Festival to positive reviews (92% fresh and 7.6/10 on Rotten Tomatoes) as an awards season contender. Critic Ben Croll wrote for TheWrap that Bradley Cooper’s second directorial effort “bolsters the writer/director/producer/star’s Mo as a contemporary jack-of-all-trades with an Old Hollywood soul.”
The feature reunites director Cooper with his Oscar-nominated “A Star Is Born” cinematographer, Matthew Libatique. It features a screenplay from Cooper and the Oscar-winning writer of “Spotlight,” Josh Singer. Among its producers are Cooper, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger. The screening will take place on Oct.
It debuted at this year’s Venice Film Festival to positive reviews (92% fresh and 7.6/10 on Rotten Tomatoes) as an awards season contender. Critic Ben Croll wrote for TheWrap that Bradley Cooper’s second directorial effort “bolsters the writer/director/producer/star’s Mo as a contemporary jack-of-all-trades with an Old Hollywood soul.”
The feature reunites director Cooper with his Oscar-nominated “A Star Is Born” cinematographer, Matthew Libatique. It features a screenplay from Cooper and the Oscar-winning writer of “Spotlight,” Josh Singer. Among its producers are Cooper, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger. The screening will take place on Oct.
- 9/7/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Maestro, starring and directed by Bradley Cooper, is set to close the 37th AFI Fest next month. The Leonard Bernstein biopic also starring Carey Mulligan will put a bow on the annual event with a red carpet gala Sunday, October 29, at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
The Netflix film’s North American premiere on October 2 will come a month after its world premiere at Venice, where the film got an extended ovation. Cooper’s directorial follow-up to A Star Is Born, Maestro focuses on West Side Story composer Bernstein’s decades-long relationship with his wife, Felicia (Mulligan).
Related: ‘Maestro’ Venice Film Festival Premiere Photo Gallery
The cast also includes Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke and Sarah Silverman, and Cooper also produces along with Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger. Cooper and Josh Singer penned the screenplay.
“Maestro displays Bradley Cooper’s symphony of talent...
The Netflix film’s North American premiere on October 2 will come a month after its world premiere at Venice, where the film got an extended ovation. Cooper’s directorial follow-up to A Star Is Born, Maestro focuses on West Side Story composer Bernstein’s decades-long relationship with his wife, Felicia (Mulligan).
Related: ‘Maestro’ Venice Film Festival Premiere Photo Gallery
The cast also includes Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke and Sarah Silverman, and Cooper also produces along with Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger. Cooper and Josh Singer penned the screenplay.
“Maestro displays Bradley Cooper’s symphony of talent...
- 9/7/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
AFI Fest programmers have orchestrated closing night festivities that will feature a screening of Bradley Cooper’s Maestro at Hollywood’s Tcl Chinese Theatre on Oct. 29.
In the Netflix film, which Cooper directed, Cooper stars opposite Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman and others in a love story that chronicles the lifelong relationship between composer Leonard Bernstein (Cooper) and actress Felicia Montealegre (Mulligan). The film was co-written by Cooper and Josh Singer and produced by Cooper, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger.
“Maestro displays Bradley Cooper’s symphony of talent with the power of a cymbal crash,” offered AFI’s president and CEO Bob Gazzale.
The film had its world premiere as part of the competition selection at the Venice Film Festival, where THR chief film critic David Rooney called it a “soaring crescendo into sorrow.” Rooney writes, “As much as a...
In the Netflix film, which Cooper directed, Cooper stars opposite Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman and others in a love story that chronicles the lifelong relationship between composer Leonard Bernstein (Cooper) and actress Felicia Montealegre (Mulligan). The film was co-written by Cooper and Josh Singer and produced by Cooper, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger.
“Maestro displays Bradley Cooper’s symphony of talent with the power of a cymbal crash,” offered AFI’s president and CEO Bob Gazzale.
The film had its world premiere as part of the competition selection at the Venice Film Festival, where THR chief film critic David Rooney called it a “soaring crescendo into sorrow.” Rooney writes, “As much as a...
- 9/7/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The American Film Institute has announced that Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” will close the 2023 AFI Fest. The festival begins on October 25 with “Leave the World Behind” and will conclude with Netflix’s Leonard Bernstein portrait on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.
Produced by both Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, as well as Fred Berner, Amy Durning, Kristie Macosko Krieger, and Cooper himself, “Maestro” is described by the synopsis as a towering and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (Carey Mulligan). A love letter to life and art, “Maestro” at its core is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love.
In addition to producing, directing, and starring in the film, Cooper co-wrote the screenplay with Oscar winner Josh Singer (“Spotlight.”) “Maestro” also serves as “A Star is Born” reunion between the filmmaker and Oscar-nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique.
Produced by both Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, as well as Fred Berner, Amy Durning, Kristie Macosko Krieger, and Cooper himself, “Maestro” is described by the synopsis as a towering and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (Carey Mulligan). A love letter to life and art, “Maestro” at its core is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love.
In addition to producing, directing, and starring in the film, Cooper co-wrote the screenplay with Oscar winner Josh Singer (“Spotlight.”) “Maestro” also serves as “A Star is Born” reunion between the filmmaker and Oscar-nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique.
- 9/7/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” will close out AFI Fest on Oct. 29.
The film which screened at the Venice Film Festival to a 7-minute standing ovation follows the life of legendary stage composer Leonard Bernstein and his relationship with Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan).
“’Mastro’ displays Bradley Cooper’s symphony of talent with the power of a cymbal crash,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “It is AFI’s honor to shine a light upon this extraordinary work of art on the festival’s Closing Night.”
Aside from directing and starring in the film, Cooper co-wrote the script with Josh Singer. The supporting cast includes Matt Bomer (as Bernstein’s lover), Maya Hawke (as Bernstein’s daughter Jamie) and Sarah Silverman (as Bernstein’s sister Shirley).
Kaitlyn Dever Comes Face to Face With an Alien Invader in ‘No One Will Save You’ Trailer
Kaitlyn Dever is battling an alien invader in...
The film which screened at the Venice Film Festival to a 7-minute standing ovation follows the life of legendary stage composer Leonard Bernstein and his relationship with Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan).
“’Mastro’ displays Bradley Cooper’s symphony of talent with the power of a cymbal crash,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “It is AFI’s honor to shine a light upon this extraordinary work of art on the festival’s Closing Night.”
Aside from directing and starring in the film, Cooper co-wrote the script with Josh Singer. The supporting cast includes Matt Bomer (as Bernstein’s lover), Maya Hawke (as Bernstein’s daughter Jamie) and Sarah Silverman (as Bernstein’s sister Shirley).
Kaitlyn Dever Comes Face to Face With an Alien Invader in ‘No One Will Save You’ Trailer
Kaitlyn Dever is battling an alien invader in...
- 9/6/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Jaden Thompson and McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
After a bidding war in 2020 for Rumaan Alam’s acclaimed psychological thriller novel, Netflix won the rights to “Leave the World Behind,” which has been selected as the opening-night film of the 2023 AFI Fest, to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.
The dramatic film reunites director Sam Esmail (“Mr. Robot”) with his “Homecoming” lead Julia Roberts, who plays one half of a married couple (along with Ethan Hawke) who rent a luxury home and find their sojourn interrupted by the presence of another couple (Mahershala Ali and Myha’la Herrold) who arrive in the middle of the night bringing news of a cyberattack and the insistence that the home is theirs. Roberts was initially to costar with her “The Pelican Brief” costar Denzel Washington, who was to play Ali’s role.
“Sam Esmail is a commanding voice in the new generation of cinematic storytellers,...
The dramatic film reunites director Sam Esmail (“Mr. Robot”) with his “Homecoming” lead Julia Roberts, who plays one half of a married couple (along with Ethan Hawke) who rent a luxury home and find their sojourn interrupted by the presence of another couple (Mahershala Ali and Myha’la Herrold) who arrive in the middle of the night bringing news of a cyberattack and the insistence that the home is theirs. Roberts was initially to costar with her “The Pelican Brief” costar Denzel Washington, who was to play Ali’s role.
“Sam Esmail is a commanding voice in the new generation of cinematic storytellers,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
The American Film Institute’s AFI Fest 2023 is set to open with director Sam Esmail’s dystopian drama “Leave the World Behind.” The premiere will take place in Hollywood on October 25, with the 37th edition of the festival running through October 29.
Based on Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel about an Airbnb vacation turned apocalyptic for two families, the film is written and directed by “Mr. Robot” creator Esmail, an alum of the AFI Conservatory. Oscar winners Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali, plus Ethan Hawke and HBO “Industry” breakout Myha’la Herrold star in the film releasing later from Netflix on December 8.
Per the official synopsis, Amanda (Julia Roberts) and her husband Clay (Ethan Hawke), rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids, Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie). Their vacation is soon upended when two strangers — G.H. (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la) — arrive in the night,...
Based on Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel about an Airbnb vacation turned apocalyptic for two families, the film is written and directed by “Mr. Robot” creator Esmail, an alum of the AFI Conservatory. Oscar winners Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali, plus Ethan Hawke and HBO “Industry” breakout Myha’la Herrold star in the film releasing later from Netflix on December 8.
Per the official synopsis, Amanda (Julia Roberts) and her husband Clay (Ethan Hawke), rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids, Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie). Their vacation is soon upended when two strangers — G.H. (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la) — arrive in the night,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Sam Esmail’s Leave the World Behind has a world premiere lined up.
The apocalyptic thriller, starring Oscar winners Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali opposite Ethan Hawke, Myha’la Herrold, Farrah Mackenzie, Charlie Evans and Kevin Bacon, will open the 37th installment of AFI Fest at Hollywood’s Tcl Chinese Theatre on Oct. 25.
Esmail, an alum from AFI’s class of 2004, wrote and directed the film by adapting from the novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam. The plot follows Amanda (Roberts) and her husband Clay (Hawke) as they rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids, Archie (Evans) and Rose (Mackenzie). Their vacation is soon upended when two strangers — G.H. (Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Herrold) — arrive in the night, bearing news of a mysterious cyberattack and seeking refuge in the house they claim is theirs. The two families reckon with a looming disaster that grows more terrifying by the minute,...
The apocalyptic thriller, starring Oscar winners Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali opposite Ethan Hawke, Myha’la Herrold, Farrah Mackenzie, Charlie Evans and Kevin Bacon, will open the 37th installment of AFI Fest at Hollywood’s Tcl Chinese Theatre on Oct. 25.
Esmail, an alum from AFI’s class of 2004, wrote and directed the film by adapting from the novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam. The plot follows Amanda (Roberts) and her husband Clay (Hawke) as they rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids, Archie (Evans) and Rose (Mackenzie). Their vacation is soon upended when two strangers — G.H. (Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Herrold) — arrive in the night, bearing news of a mysterious cyberattack and seeking refuge in the house they claim is theirs. The two families reckon with a looming disaster that grows more terrifying by the minute,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sam Esmail’s Leave the World Behind will open the 37th AFI Fest next month. The apocalyptic thriller starring Academy Award winners Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali, four-time Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke and Industry‘s Myha’la will make its world premiere October 25 with a red carpet gala at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
The pic from Mr. Robot and Metropolis series creator Esmail stars Roberts and Hawke as spouses Amanda and Clay, who rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids, Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie). Their vacation soon is upended when two strangers — G.H. (Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la) — arrive in the night, bearing news of a mysterious cyberattack and seeking refuge in the house they claim is theirs. The two families reckon with a terrifying looming disaster that forces everyone to come to terms with their places in a collapsing world.
The pic from Mr. Robot and Metropolis series creator Esmail stars Roberts and Hawke as spouses Amanda and Clay, who rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids, Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie). Their vacation soon is upended when two strangers — G.H. (Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la) — arrive in the night, bearing news of a mysterious cyberattack and seeking refuge in the house they claim is theirs. The two families reckon with a terrifying looming disaster that forces everyone to come to terms with their places in a collapsing world.
- 9/5/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate has picked up the family drama film “Unsung Hero” from the Christian music duo for King + Country. Helmed by Richard Ramsey and for King + Country’s Joel Smallbone, the film tells the story of Smallbone family’s trek from Australia to America, and Joel and his brother Luke’s path to becoming Grammy-winning artists.
Joel Smallbone stars as his father David in the film, with Daisy Betts playing Joel’s mother Helen. According to the official synopsis, “With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen set out to rebuild their lives. Based on a remarkable true story, Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children.”
The film also stars Kirrilee Berger,...
Joel Smallbone stars as his father David in the film, with Daisy Betts playing Joel’s mother Helen. According to the official synopsis, “With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen set out to rebuild their lives. Based on a remarkable true story, Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children.”
The film also stars Kirrilee Berger,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, McKinley Franklin, Jaden Thompson and Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Dead Ringers and a Queen Charlotte celebration.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie special screening
Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Seth Rogen and Sebastian Maniscalco attended a special screening in Los Angeles on Saturday for their Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Michael Jelenic, Aaron Horvath, Sebastian Maniscalco, Nintendo’s Takumi Kawagoe, Christ Pratt, Brian Tyler, Charlie Day, Nintendo’s Koji Kondo, Illumination CEO Chris Melendandri, Kevin Michael Richardson (Bottom second L-r) Seth Rogen, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and Jack Black Chris Pratt and Charlie Day Anya Taylor-Joy
Dead Ringers premiere
On Monday, Prime Video hosted the world premiere of psychological thriller series Dead Ringers in NYC, with star and EP Rachel Weisz along cast members Britne Oldford, Poppy Liu,...
The Super Mario Bros. Movie special screening
Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Seth Rogen and Sebastian Maniscalco attended a special screening in Los Angeles on Saturday for their Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Michael Jelenic, Aaron Horvath, Sebastian Maniscalco, Nintendo’s Takumi Kawagoe, Christ Pratt, Brian Tyler, Charlie Day, Nintendo’s Koji Kondo, Illumination CEO Chris Melendandri, Kevin Michael Richardson (Bottom second L-r) Seth Rogen, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and Jack Black Chris Pratt and Charlie Day Anya Taylor-Joy
Dead Ringers premiere
On Monday, Prime Video hosted the world premiere of psychological thriller series Dead Ringers in NYC, with star and EP Rachel Weisz along cast members Britne Oldford, Poppy Liu,...
- 4/7/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Alfred Hitchcock won the AFI’s Life Achievement Award in 1979, but now there is another Hitchcock moving up in the organization.
The American Film Institute on Wednesday named Todd Hitchcock to oversee the national programming team tasked with programming the 37th annual AFI Fest in Los Angeles. Hitchcock also was recently named to the position of Director of the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. The AFI says this move unites all of the institute’s exhibition and programming activities under his leadership.
Hitchcock began his career at AFI in 2003 working on the inaugural edition of Silverdocs before joining AFI Silver’s year-round programming team. As Director of Programming at AFI Silver and the Associate Theatre Director, he oversaw numerous international film festivals, retrospectives, first-run engagements and special events including planning, programming and producing the Silent Cinema Showcase, the AFI Latin American Film Festival, the AFI European Union Film...
The American Film Institute on Wednesday named Todd Hitchcock to oversee the national programming team tasked with programming the 37th annual AFI Fest in Los Angeles. Hitchcock also was recently named to the position of Director of the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. The AFI says this move unites all of the institute’s exhibition and programming activities under his leadership.
Hitchcock began his career at AFI in 2003 working on the inaugural edition of Silverdocs before joining AFI Silver’s year-round programming team. As Director of Programming at AFI Silver and the Associate Theatre Director, he oversaw numerous international film festivals, retrospectives, first-run engagements and special events including planning, programming and producing the Silent Cinema Showcase, the AFI Latin American Film Festival, the AFI European Union Film...
- 4/5/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The American Film Institute (AFI) announced on Thursday the dates for AFI Fest 2023.
The 37th edition of the Institute’s annual festival will take place exclusively in person on Oct. 25-29 2023 at the Tcl Chinese Theatre. The five-day festival will include red carpet galas, special screenings, world cinema, documentaries and short films.
“As we look ahead to AFI Fest, we are reminded of the power of film festivals to immerse, to inspire and to bring us together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “We look forward to shining a proper light upon films from around the world that move us and to celebrating the artists that lead the way to a brighter future.”
Also Read:
AFI Threw a Classy Awards Luncheon, and Al Pacino Hijacked It
Entries for the AFI Fest 2023 Short Film Competition program open Thursday, and filmmakers are invited to submit fiction, documentary, experimental and animated short films.
The 37th edition of the Institute’s annual festival will take place exclusively in person on Oct. 25-29 2023 at the Tcl Chinese Theatre. The five-day festival will include red carpet galas, special screenings, world cinema, documentaries and short films.
“As we look ahead to AFI Fest, we are reminded of the power of film festivals to immerse, to inspire and to bring us together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “We look forward to shining a proper light upon films from around the world that move us and to celebrating the artists that lead the way to a brighter future.”
Also Read:
AFI Threw a Classy Awards Luncheon, and Al Pacino Hijacked It
Entries for the AFI Fest 2023 Short Film Competition program open Thursday, and filmmakers are invited to submit fiction, documentary, experimental and animated short films.
- 2/2/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
The American Film Institute has announced that the 37th edition of AFI Fest will take place in-person at Hollywood’s historic Tcl Chinese Theatre from October 25-29.
The Oscar-qualifying, five-day festival will, as always, feature an assortment of red carpet galas, special screenings, world cinema, documentaries and short films. Entries for the Short Film Competition are open as of today, with filmmakers being invited to submit fiction, documentary, experimental and animated works. The early deadline in that area is March 2, with the official deadline being April 13, and the final deadline being June 1.
“As we look ahead to AFI Fest, we are reminded of the power of film festivals to immerse, to inspire and to bring us together,” said AFI’s President and CEO, Bob Gazzale. “We look forward to shining a proper light upon films from around the world that move us and to celebrating the artists that lead the way to a brighter future.
The Oscar-qualifying, five-day festival will, as always, feature an assortment of red carpet galas, special screenings, world cinema, documentaries and short films. Entries for the Short Film Competition are open as of today, with filmmakers being invited to submit fiction, documentary, experimental and animated works. The early deadline in that area is March 2, with the official deadline being April 13, and the final deadline being June 1.
“As we look ahead to AFI Fest, we are reminded of the power of film festivals to immerse, to inspire and to bring us together,” said AFI’s President and CEO, Bob Gazzale. “We look forward to shining a proper light upon films from around the world that move us and to celebrating the artists that lead the way to a brighter future.
- 2/2/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced that it will present eight awards at the annual Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony on Feb. 24. 19 individuals will be awarded in the event’s first in-person ceremony since 2019.
Iain Neil will also receive the Gorden E. Sawyer Award at the event, honoring his technological contributions to the film industry.
“Since 1931, the Academy has recognized the most important innovations in filmmaking; inventors and engineers have been advancing the art and science of motion pictures ever since,” said chair of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee Barbara Ford Grant in a statement. “This year we honor achievements spanning accomplishments from pioneering methods in practical rain effects to career-long contributions in optical design for cinematography to humanistic-driven AI techniques.”
Award recipients are as follows:
Technical Achievement Awards (Academy Certificates)
Howard Jensen and Danny Cangemi for the concept and creation of rain bars John Frazier...
Iain Neil will also receive the Gorden E. Sawyer Award at the event, honoring his technological contributions to the film industry.
“Since 1931, the Academy has recognized the most important innovations in filmmaking; inventors and engineers have been advancing the art and science of motion pictures ever since,” said chair of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee Barbara Ford Grant in a statement. “This year we honor achievements spanning accomplishments from pioneering methods in practical rain effects to career-long contributions in optical design for cinematography to humanistic-driven AI techniques.”
Award recipients are as follows:
Technical Achievement Awards (Academy Certificates)
Howard Jensen and Danny Cangemi for the concept and creation of rain bars John Frazier...
- 2/2/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Katie Reul, Julia MacCary and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Hitting on why many attendees see the event as a highlight of awards season, surprise speaker Al Pacino said early in his closing remarks, “I’m so happy that AFI didn’t have some envelope for me to open and say ‘The winner is…’” The Oscar-winning actor took one beat to make sure he got that right, confirming with the audience that all the talent in the room were AFI Awards 2022 recipients, and impressed, said “So I’m talking to winners now, Ok!”
Taking place at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, as is annual tradition, the AFI Awards 2022 Luncheon invited the creative teams from what the American Film Institute considered to be the 10 best films and 10 best TV shows (plus one special recipient) of 2022 to all gather together and applaud each other’s work. The emphasis on support for one another factored early into the program, when AFI president...
Taking place at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, as is annual tradition, the AFI Awards 2022 Luncheon invited the creative teams from what the American Film Institute considered to be the 10 best films and 10 best TV shows (plus one special recipient) of 2022 to all gather together and applaud each other’s work. The emphasis on support for one another factored early into the program, when AFI president...
- 1/14/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
A funny thing happened on the way to the American Film Institute saluting its picks for the Top 10 films and television programs of 2022 at its annual AFI Awards Luncheon on Friday.
Al Pacino showed up.
Mind you, Pacino was an invited guest who took the usual spot the AFI gives to an actor to deliver the final comments at the annual event; it’s not like he was crashing the party or anything.
Then again, he did kind of crash into the party, upending a sedate and classy event with a rambling, ramshackle and uproarious speech that eventually got around to him telling the story of his trip to the Oscars in 1974.
What exactly it had to do with the best filmed entertainment of 2022 was unclear, but it was Al Pacino and he has the right – and most certainly the ability – to hijack any event he wants in the most entertaining of ways.
Al Pacino showed up.
Mind you, Pacino was an invited guest who took the usual spot the AFI gives to an actor to deliver the final comments at the annual event; it’s not like he was crashing the party or anything.
Then again, he did kind of crash into the party, upending a sedate and classy event with a rambling, ramshackle and uproarious speech that eventually got around to him telling the story of his trip to the Oscars in 1974.
What exactly it had to do with the best filmed entertainment of 2022 was unclear, but it was Al Pacino and he has the right – and most certainly the ability – to hijack any event he wants in the most entertaining of ways.
- 1/14/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Hollywood’s biggest names in film and television returned to the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills for a celebration of the American Film Institute’s picks of the year’s top 10 offerings from those media.
The ballroom for the AFI Awards luncheon was crowded with top executives like Disney’s Bob Iger and Dana Walden, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, WB TV’s Channing Dungey, FX’s John Landgraf, Universal’s Donna Langley, Warners’ Pam Abdy and Michael DeLuca, Apple’s Eddy Cue, AppleTV+’s Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg and Participant’s David Linde; filmmakers and creators including The Fabelmans’ Steven Spielberg, Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson, Avatar: The Way of Water’s James Cameron, The White Lotus’ Mike White, Nope’s Jordan Peele and Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski; and stars such as Nope’s Daniel Kaluuya, The Woman King’s Viola Davis,...
The ballroom for the AFI Awards luncheon was crowded with top executives like Disney’s Bob Iger and Dana Walden, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, WB TV’s Channing Dungey, FX’s John Landgraf, Universal’s Donna Langley, Warners’ Pam Abdy and Michael DeLuca, Apple’s Eddy Cue, AppleTV+’s Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg and Participant’s David Linde; filmmakers and creators including The Fabelmans’ Steven Spielberg, Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson, Avatar: The Way of Water’s James Cameron, The White Lotus’ Mike White, Nope’s Jordan Peele and Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski; and stars such as Nope’s Daniel Kaluuya, The Woman King’s Viola Davis,...
- 1/14/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A column chronicling conversations and events on the awards circuit.
AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale spoke a real truth about the money-making Hollywood awards machine as he opened the proceedings for Friday’s annual AFI Awards honoring the year’s best in movies in television as chosen by a distinguished jury. “This is the only event of its kind where you are informed of your honor and then not asked to pay to attend,” he said.
Michelle Yeoh and Ted Sarandos at AFI
The Top 10 films AFI selected this year include Avatar: The Way of Water, Elvis, Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Fabelmans, Nope, She Said, Tár, Top Gun: Maverick, The Woman King and Women Talking, with an AFI Special Award for The Banshees of Inisherin. On AFI’s top 10 TV list are The Bear, Mo, Pachinko, Severance, Somebody Somewhere, Abbott Elementary, Hacks, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul...
AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale spoke a real truth about the money-making Hollywood awards machine as he opened the proceedings for Friday’s annual AFI Awards honoring the year’s best in movies in television as chosen by a distinguished jury. “This is the only event of its kind where you are informed of your honor and then not asked to pay to attend,” he said.
Michelle Yeoh and Ted Sarandos at AFI
The Top 10 films AFI selected this year include Avatar: The Way of Water, Elvis, Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Fabelmans, Nope, She Said, Tár, Top Gun: Maverick, The Woman King and Women Talking, with an AFI Special Award for The Banshees of Inisherin. On AFI’s top 10 TV list are The Bear, Mo, Pachinko, Severance, Somebody Somewhere, Abbott Elementary, Hacks, Reservation Dogs, Better Call Saul...
- 1/14/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Though most kudos events are competitive, the annual AFI Awards, honoring 21 film and TV works, proved communal. Sarah Polley chatted with Michelle Williams, Jerry Bruckheimer was deep in conversation with James Cameron, the “Better Call Saul” talent huddled with “Reservation Dogs” and Steven Spielberg enthused about “The Bear” to the show’s team and FX Networks chairman John Landgraf.
The luncheon Jan. 13 at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills was filled with 250 industry heavy-hitters, but the scene-stealer was someone who had no attachment to any of the honored works: Al Pacino, who closed the event with a 10-minute speech that seemed rambling and hilarious, but proved to be pointed and concluded with a bang.
Before the event started, Universal Pictures chairwoman Donna Langley praised the annual gathering to Variety, saying: “It reminds us of the dignity and elegance of the industry as we gather here to celebrate artistry.”
In December, AFI...
The luncheon Jan. 13 at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills was filled with 250 industry heavy-hitters, but the scene-stealer was someone who had no attachment to any of the honored works: Al Pacino, who closed the event with a 10-minute speech that seemed rambling and hilarious, but proved to be pointed and concluded with a bang.
Before the event started, Universal Pictures chairwoman Donna Langley praised the annual gathering to Variety, saying: “It reminds us of the dignity and elegance of the industry as we gather here to celebrate artistry.”
In December, AFI...
- 1/14/2023
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Don’t mess with success. That’s the G-rated version of an old showbiz mantra, and it applies to the AFI Awards, which on Jan. 13 will continue with the same format that has worked for two decades.
While the Oscars struggle with TV ratings and other issues, and the Golden Globes are working to restore their luster, the AFI Awards, again at the Four Seasons Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, holds onto a formula that was devised for the org’s third annual kudos handouts in 2003.
Every year, the team addresses whether changes are needed, AFI president-ceo Bob Gazzale tells Variety. “And we keep coming back to the same format, because it celebrates everyone equally.”
Winners are announced in advance, so there’s no suspense, and there’s no pressure to make acceptance speeches.
During awards season, filmmakers and execs drag themselves to various events, but people actually want to go to the AFI Awards.
While the Oscars struggle with TV ratings and other issues, and the Golden Globes are working to restore their luster, the AFI Awards, again at the Four Seasons Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, holds onto a formula that was devised for the org’s third annual kudos handouts in 2003.
Every year, the team addresses whether changes are needed, AFI president-ceo Bob Gazzale tells Variety. “And we keep coming back to the same format, because it celebrates everyone equally.”
Winners are announced in advance, so there’s no suspense, and there’s no pressure to make acceptance speeches.
During awards season, filmmakers and execs drag themselves to various events, but people actually want to go to the AFI Awards.
- 1/12/2023
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
December 9, 2022, Los Angeles, CA – The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the recipients of AFI Awards 2022. AFI Awards honorees include 10 outstanding films and 10 outstanding TV programs deemed culturally and artistically representative of this year’s most significant achievements in the art of the moving image. An additional honoree was selected for an AFI Special Award, designated for works of excellence that fall outside of AFI Awards’ eligibility criteria.
AFI Movies Of The Year
Avatar: The Way Of Water
Elvis
Everything Everywhere All At Once
The Fabelmans
Nope
She Said
TÁR
Top Gun: Maverick
The Woman King
Women Talking
AFI Television Programs Of The Year
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Better Call Saul
Hacks
Mo
Pachinko
Reservation Dogs
Severance
Somebody Somewhere
The White Lotus
AFI Special Award
The Banshees Of Inisherin
“AFI Awards shines a light upon excellence in storytelling and the collaborators who bring these stories to the screen,” said Bob Gazzale,...
AFI Movies Of The Year
Avatar: The Way Of Water
Elvis
Everything Everywhere All At Once
The Fabelmans
Nope
She Said
TÁR
Top Gun: Maverick
The Woman King
Women Talking
AFI Television Programs Of The Year
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Better Call Saul
Hacks
Mo
Pachinko
Reservation Dogs
Severance
Somebody Somewhere
The White Lotus
AFI Special Award
The Banshees Of Inisherin
“AFI Awards shines a light upon excellence in storytelling and the collaborators who bring these stories to the screen,” said Bob Gazzale,...
- 12/11/2022
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.