The American Film Institute

The American Film Institute (AFI), founded in 1965, is an independent non-profit organization created by the National Endowment for the Arts in the United States. It has significant influence in Hollywood and even the global film industry

In 1965, US President Lyndon Johnson issued a directive to establish a national arts organization to preserve American film culture and cultivate outstanding filmmakers. In 1967, the American film industry had a history of over 75 years, and many early groundbreaking films had severely aged film and urgently needed protection. So, the National Endowment for the Arts, together with the Motion Picture Association of America and the Ford Foundation, founded the American Film Institute with the aim of protecting America's film heritage

The American Film Institute is mainly committed to conducting theoretical research, academic seminars, international exchanges, and business training in the field of film and television in the United States. Through various means, it promotes the development of film art, educates film creators, and pays tribute to outstanding film artists and their works, inheriting and promoting American film culture

Main activities and awards

AFI Lifetime Achievement Award: Established in 1973, it is a highly prestigious honor given by the American Film Institute to professionals in the film industry, aimed at recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of film art. Previous winners of this award include many legendary figures in the film industry, such as John Ford, James Cagney, Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, and many others

AFI Film Festival: Held annually since 1987, it provides a platform for film creators and audiences to exchange and showcase outstanding films from around the world, promoting the dissemination and exchange of film culture

AFI Centennial Series: In 1998, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of American cinema, the American Film Institute issued the Centennial Series, which includes voting activities on multiple themes such as AFI's Top 100 Films, Top 100 Stars, and Top 100 Comedy Films. These activities not only evoke people's review and attention to the history of American cinema, but also provide important materials for film research and cultural heritage

The American Film Institute Awards: The first award was presented on January 15, 2002, once a year. This award selects the top 10 American movies and top 10 American TV shows of the past year by a panel of judges composed of its members. It aims to recognize the most representative and significant works in American film art among the top 10 American movies and TV shows of the year. Media that do not qualify for the main award, such as non American productions, can be recognized through the AFI Special Award