BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The American Film Institute Awards (AFI Awards) celebrated its 2026 honorees during a prestigious invitation-only luncheon on January 9, 2026, at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. This event highlighted the collaborative spirit within the film and television industries, bringing together a diverse group of creators from various disciplines, including acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and producers.
The ceremony stood out for its unique format, as there were no acceptance speeches or envelope openings typical of other award shows. Instead, AFI presented a series of well-crafted tributes for each honored film and television program, complemented by brief clips to contextualize the year's artistic contributions. AFI President Bob Gazzale emphasized the award's ethos of shared recognition, ensuring that all attendees left feeling like winners.
Throughout the event, industry luminaries were seen mingling and exchanging pleasantries. Notably, filmmaker Steven Spielberg was engaged in conversation with director Ryan Coogler, whose wife Zinzi Coogler, a producer of “Sinners,” joined them. Actor Michael B. Jordan was active in the room, greeting fellow honorees and others, including “Bugonia” star Jesse Plemons and “Task” actor Mark Ruffalo. Renowned filmmakers James Cameron and Guillermo del Toro also shared warm greetings, showcasing the camaraderie prevalent among attendees.
Another highlight involved Leonardo DiCaprio, who conversed with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and actors Edward James Olmos and Benicio del Toro. As the program commenced, actress Chase Infiniti was spotted at her table, gazing toward her co-stars from “One Battle After Another,” illustrating the supportive environment of the gathering. On the red carpet, actor George Clooney was seen joking with a photographer alongside Nick Offerman, which contributed to the relaxed atmosphere of the afternoon.
The films honored at this year’s AFI Awards included notable titles such as “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “Bugonia,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Jay Kelly,” “Marty Supreme,” “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” “Train Dreams,” and “Wicked: For Good.” The television shows recognized ranged from “Adolescence,” “Andor,” and “Death by Lightning,” to “The Diplomat,” “The Lowdown,” “The Pitt,” “Severance,” “The Studio,” and “Task.”
Closing the event was comedy legend Carol Burnett, who delivered the annual AFI benediction. In her remarks, she celebrated the achievements of the honorees while reflecting on her enduring love for cinema and television. Burnett expressed her respect for the storytelling inherent in both mediums, highlighting the importance of creative collaboration. She declared, “Creative collaboration has always remained at the heart of our work, and AFI brings us all together. The world is a better place for having heard your voices.”
Additionally, the luncheon featured AFI’s signature March of Time video montage, which offered a captivating overview of cinematic and television milestones from previous decades. This montage elegantly positioned this year’s honorees within the rich tapestry of entertainment history, affirming the significance of their contributions to the evolving landscape of film and television.
