Beverly Hills, Calif. — The American Film Institute (AFI) Awards once again reaffirmed its commitment to recognizing the collaborative spirit of filmmaking and television during an exclusive luncheon celebrating its 2026 honorees. The event, held on Friday, brought together luminaries from the industry, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Coogler, Timothée Chalamet, and Ariana Grande, creating an atmosphere where everyone left with a sense of victory.
The ceremony diverged from traditional awards shows, eschewing acceptance speeches and envelope suspense. Instead, the AFI celebrated the achievements of creative teams both in front of and behind the camera through heartfelt tributes and carefully curated clips that provided context for the honorees’ work within the broader cultural landscape.
AFI President Bob Gazzale addressed the room filled with stars, emphasizing that this gathering was about shared recognition rather than competition. The excitement was palpable, with prominent figures engaging warmly with one another. Among them, Steven Spielberg was seen conversing with Coogler, who was accompanied by his wife, producer Zinzi Coogler. Michael B. Jordan mingled with fellow honorees like Jesse Plemons and Mark Ruffalo, illustrating the camaraderie that defined the afternoon.
The event celebrated a variety of films including “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “Bugonia,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Jay Kelly,” “Marty Supreme,” “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” “Train Dreams,” and “Wicked: For Good.” Recognized television shows included “Adolescence,” “Andor,” “Death by Lightning,” “The Diplomat,” “The Lowdown,” “The Pitt,” “Severance,” “The Studio,” and “Task.”
The luncheon culminated with a benediction from the legendary Carol Burnett, who spoke to her enduring love for cinema and television. “Creative collaboration has always remained at the heart of our work,” she stated, highlighting the importance of storytelling in shaping society. Burnett’s sentiments echoed the day’s theme, celebrating not only the individual talents but the collective contributions that enrich the art form.
A notable feature of the luncheon was AFI’s signature March of Time video montage, which reflected on significant cinematic and television milestones, placing this year’s honorees in the rich tapestry of moving images and storytelling history.
The AFI Awards luncheon serves as a reminder that the entertainment industry’s strength lies in creative partnerships and mutual recognition, fostering a sense of togetherness that resonates beyond the awards themselves.