Hollywood Unites, Stars Celebrate Creative Excellence at 2026 AFI Awards/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hollywood’s top talent gathered in Beverly Hills for the 2026 American Film Institute Awards, honoring standout achievements in film and television. The exclusive luncheon brought together actors, directors, and producers in a celebration of collaborative storytelling — with no competition, only recognition.
2026 AFI Awards Quick Look
- Venue: Beverly Hills, California
- Atmosphere: Non-competitive, celebratory, star-filled
- No speeches or suspense — just tributes and clips
- Films Honored: Avatar: Fire and Ash, Frankenstein, Bugonia, Hamnet, Train Dreams, and more
- TV Shows Honored: Severance, Death by Lightning, The Diplomat, Task, The Studio, among others
- Notable Guests: Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Guillermo del Toro
- Special Appearance: Carol Burnett delivered a heartfelt closing tribute
- Signature Moment: AFI’s “March of Time” montage connected this year’s honorees to cinematic history
Hollywood Unites, Stars Celebrate Creative Excellence at 2026 AFI Awards
Deep Look
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — The American Film Institute Awards once again reminded Hollywood of what it does best: collaboration, storytelling, and celebrating the collective craft of cinema and television.
At the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, the AFI held its annual invitation-only luncheon Friday, honoring the creative teams behind the year’s most acclaimed films and television series — and giving every attendee a moment to shine.
There were no trophies, speeches, or competitive categories. Instead, each recognized project was introduced with an elegant tribute and a short montage, honoring its cultural impact and artistic achievement.
AFI President Bob Gazzale welcomed a room brimming with some of the industry’s most influential figures, emphasizing the event’s non-competitive spirit.
“Everyone here today is a winner,” Gazzale said, as stars and filmmakers listened intently.
The celebration drew a wide range of talent: Leonardo DiCaprio stood alongside Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, while filmmaker Steven Spielberg chatted with Ryan Coogler and his producing partner Zinzi Coogler. Michael B. Jordan made the rounds, greeting fellow honorees like Jesse Plemons (Bugonia) and Mark Ruffalo (Task).
Nearby, actors Benicio del Toro and Edward James Olmos mingled, while George Clooney and Nick Offerman shared a lighthearted exchange on the red carpet. Timothée Chalamet and Ariana Grande, both honored for their latest screen work, appeared relaxed and engaged throughout the afternoon.
Chase Infiniti, recognized for One Battle After Another, sat at her table watching her co-stars with quiet pride. Later, she and Jordan shared a brief, warm reunion, reflecting the event’s spirit of camaraderie.
Among the films recognized by AFI this year were:
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Bugonia
- Frankenstein
- Hamnet
- Jay Kelly
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- Sinners
- Train Dreams
- Wicked: For Good
On the television side, standout programs included:
- Adolescence
- Andor
- Death by Lightning
- The Diplomat
- The Lowdown
- The Pitt
- Severance
- The Studio
- Task
Closing the ceremony, legendary performer Carol Burnett took the stage to offer AFI’s traditional benediction.
“I’ve never lost the deep respect and love that I have for all the stories we tell through cinema and television,” Burnett said. “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.”
The afternoon concluded with AFI’s signature “March of Time” montage — a powerful compilation of landmark moments in film and television history. It placed this year’s honorees within the long arc of storytelling, reminding everyone in the room that their work is now part of that history.
With its elegant simplicity and emphasis on unity, the 2026 AFI Awards luncheon was more than a celebration — it was a reaffirmation of the art and impact of storytelling.
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