The annual invite-only luncheon honored 10 films and 10 television shows with well-spoken words about each celebrated project followed by a brief clip of a scene.
Joyful moments and warm embraces filled the air as Hollywood luminaries, including Margot Robbie, Meryl Streep, and Leonardo DiCaprio, gathered for a festive ceremony at the American Film Institute Awards on Friday. The exclusive luncheon, which annually honors 10 outstanding films and 10 television shows, showcased heartfelt tributes to each project, accompanied by brief clips.
Institute President Bob Gazzale set the tone, declaring, “Welcome to the annual AFI group hug,” eliciting laughter from the audience. “For those who are new to this humble affair, the answer is ‘No. ... No.’ You are not going to lose. Losing doesn’t happen here.”
The ballroom in Beverly Hills buzzed with cheerful conversations and smiles as Robbie engaged in a lively chat with "Oppenheimer" director Christopher Nolan. Nolan then shifted to exchange greetings with Robbie’s "Barbie" castmate America Ferrera. "Maestro" stars Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan shared a pleasant moment on the red carpet, while "Beef" star Ali Wong caught up with Ted Sarandos, Netflix's co-CEO.
"American Fiction" actors Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown formed a huddle with "Jury Duty" star James Marsden and former BET CEO Debra L. Lee. Director Steven Spielberg took snapshots with "Barbie" director Greta Gerwig.
The AFI event, marked by a laid-back atmosphere, encourages fun without the weight of competition. Gazzale emphasized, “This community is not competition. It’s never a competition. I know that doesn’t sound ideal. But that’s who we are.”
The honored films included "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." Recognized television shows encompassed "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."
The star-studded gathering featured Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Downey Jr., Emma Stone, Selena Gomez, Quinta Brunson, Lily Gladstone, Ayo Edebiri, and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Closing the luncheon with a benediction, 91-year-old Oscar, Emmy, and Tony award winner Ellen Burstyn expressed gratitude, saying, “I feel blessed to be part of this amazing tribe. Thank you all for celebrating the best without making it a competition, just a shared appreciation. We appreciate you all.”