AFI Awards: 'Anora,' 'Emilia Pérez,' and 'Wicked' Among 10 Best Films, Top TV Shows Include 'The Penguin' and 'Shogun'
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The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced its 2024 honorees, spotlighting ten of the best films and television programs of the year that showcase the diversity, creativity, and emotional impact of visual storytelling. The annual AFI Awards celebrate these outstanding works, recognizing their cultural, artistic, and societal contributions to the entertainment industry.
This year, the honorees range from indie gems to box-office giants, cementing the AFI Awards as an early harbinger of success on the road to the Oscars. The mix of new talents, international storytelling, and beloved industry veterans reflects a fascinating landscape for film and television in 2024.
The ceremony will take place on January 10, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, gathering the best and brightest in the industry to honor their collective achievements.
AFI Motion Pictures of the Year
The ten films chosen by the AFI represent a range of styles, genres, and voices. From experimental indies to visionary blockbuster epics, each honoree contributes uniquely to the year in cinema:
"Anora" (Neon) – Directed by Sean Baker, Anora offers a gritty and deeply human portrayal of a young woman navigating the complicated socio-economic landscape of Los Angeles. This intimate indie flick has captured hearts with its honesty, strong performances, and thought-provoking exploration of identity and survival in a fractured world.
"The Brutalist" (A24) – Brady Corbet's The Brutalist is a sprawling, ambitious drama chronicling the journey of a Hungarian architect immigrating to the U.S. after WWII. With a grand visual scale and a layered narrative, Corbet deftly combines character study and political commentary in a striking ode to resilience and ambition.
"A Complete Unknown" (Searchlight Pictures) – James Mangold's film delves into the life of a young Bob Dylan, played by Timothée Chalamet. A Complete Unknown takes a fresh and tender approach to Dylan's journey, highlighting pivotal moments in his rise to fame. The mix of music and storytelling evokes nostalgia while showcasing a dynamic portrayal by Chalamet.
"Conclave" (Focus Features) – Conclave, directed by Edward Berger, tells the story of political intrigue and mystery set in the Vatican during the election of a new pope. With an ensemble cast and a tension-filled narrative, it offers a gripping look at power, secrecy, and spirituality within the confines of the church.
"Dune: Part Two" (Warner Bros.) – Denis Villeneuve returns with the second installment of his adaptation of Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi epic. Expanding on the visually stunning universe of Dune, Villeneuve's direction brings the intergalactic battle for power and control into full swing, complete with mesmerizing visuals and powerful performances.
"Emilia Pérez" (Netflix) – Jacques Audiard's Emilia Pérez brings together stylish direction with a socially relevant story. This genre-bending film blends humor, crime, and romance as Emilia, a transgender woman seeking a fresh start, navigates life in Mexico. Audiard’s storytelling elevates the narrative with dynamic characters and unforgettable imagery.
"Nickel Boys" (Amazon MGM Studios) – Directed by RaMell Ross, Nickel Boys is an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The film tells the harrowing tale of two boys enduring life in a brutal reform school during the Jim Crow era, shedding light on institutional abuse and systemic racism while showcasing Ross's distinct documentary-influenced visual style.
"A Real Pain" (Searchlight Pictures) – Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial debut stars himself and Kieran Culkin as estranged cousins reconnecting while on a trip to Poland to discover their family history. Blending humor with profound observations on trauma and legacy, A Real Pain captures both absurd and tender moments that resonate deeply.
"Sing Sing" (A24) – Greg Kwedar's Sing Sing is a powerful prison drama based on true events. The film follows a group of inmates producing a theater production inside the infamous Sing Sing Correctional Facility, blending real-life stories with powerful performances to convey hope, transformation, and redemption.
"Wicked" (Universal Pictures) – Jon M. Chu brings the beloved Broadway musical to the big screen. Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, breathes cinematic life into the untold story of the witches of Oz. With dazzling musical numbers, elaborate set pieces, and emotional storytelling, it’s no wonder this adaptation captured a spot on the AFI list.
AFI Television Programs of the Year
The 2024 AFI television honorees showcase a variety of genres and storytelling approaches, from comedies that delve into contemporary society to dramas exploring complex human experiences. These shows have shaped this year in television, pushing boundaries and sparking conversation:
"Abbott Elementary" (ABC) – The critically acclaimed comedy about an underfunded public school in Philadelphia continues to balance humor with important social commentary, offering an endearing look at dedicated teachers making a difference in the lives of their students.
"The Bear" (FX) – FX's high-intensity culinary drama The Bear returns to critical acclaim, capturing the chaotic energy of a restaurant kitchen while providing a raw exploration of grief, ambition, and family dynamics.
"Hacks" (HBO/Max) – Hacks continues its exploration of the unlikely partnership between legendary comedian Deborah Vance and young writer Ava, delving deeper into the complexities of mentorship, aging, and staying relevant in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
"A Man on the Inside" (Netflix) – This true-crime docudrama blurs the lines between reality and fiction, captivating audiences with its twists and revelations as it follows the real-life story of an undercover agent infiltrating a notorious crime ring.
"Mr. and Mrs. Smith" (Prime Video) – A fresh take on the action-comedy classic, Mr. and Mrs. Smith brings Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s signature wit to the dynamic duo of married secret agents, providing a fast-paced and humorous exploration of love, trust, and espionage.
"Nobody Wants This" (Netflix) – This gripping dystopian drama explores a future where climate change has devastated the planet, focusing on the struggles of individuals fighting for survival amid social breakdown and scarcity of resources.
"The Penguin" (HBO/Max) – Colin Farrell reprises his role as Oswald Cobblepot in The Penguin, an HBO/Max series that delves into Gotham's criminal underworld. The gritty, noir-inspired show offers a closer look at the infamous villain's rise to power.
"Shōgun" (FX) – Shōgun, based on James Clavell’s epic novel, is brought to life with breathtaking visuals and a complex storyline involving political intrigue, cultural clashes, and forbidden romance in feudal Japan.
"Shrinking" (Apple TV+) – Starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, Shrinking is a heartfelt comedy that follows a grieving therapist who starts to break the rules, ultimately transforming the lives of his clients in unpredictable ways. It balances humor with poignancy, offering a unique perspective on loss and connection.
"True Detective: Night Country" (HBO/Max) – The latest installment of True Detective introduces new characters and an eerie mystery set against the stark and haunting landscape of Alaska. With gripping storytelling and powerful performances, it continues the tradition of dark, atmospheric crime dramas.
AFI Special Award: "Baby Reindeer" (Netflix)
In addition to the top ten television programs, the AFI Special Award goes to Baby Reindeer, a gripping and deeply personal series based on Richard Gadd's acclaimed stage play. The show explores themes of obsession and vulnerability with a raw honesty that has captivated audiences, solidifying its place among this year’s most impactful storytelling.
AFI Awards Ceremony: Honoring Storytellers
The AFI Awards ceremony is known for its sense of community rather than competition. AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale emphasized that the awards are about bringing artists together and celebrating their collective ability to shape and influence culture. “AFI Awards is never about competition, but community,” Gazzale said. “We look forward to bringing these artists together as one and celebrating their collective power to drive culture forward.”
The event will be held on January 10, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. It promises to be a celebratory gathering of the industry’s most talented creators, recognizing their contributions and the role of film and television in reflecting and shaping the human experience.
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