American Film Institute
The American Film Institute (AFI) is an independent non-profit organization created by the National Endowment for the Arts, which was established in 1967 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act.
The American Film Institute focuses on training through hands-on experience with established figures in the AFI Conservatory, as well as on preserving old film, which is subject to degradation of its film stock. AFI also produces film education and appreciation materials for middle and high school students. In spite of its name, AFI does not focus exclusively on film, but also on television and video.
In 1973, the AFI established a Life Achievement Award. Alfred Hitchcock received the award in 1979.
In 1998, the 100th anniversary of American film, AFI began its 100 Years... series, celebrating and promoting interest in film history. Their 100 years series has drawn extensive criticism for its consistency: certain movies are listed repeatedly in multiple categories with seemingly little regard for the views of critics, fans, and sometimes the genres of the movies themselves.
Awards and Nominations
AFI Life Achievement Award
- Henry Fonda (1978)
- Alfred Hitchcock (1979)
- James Stewart (1980)
- Gregory Peck (1989)
- Sean Connery (2006)
- Shirley MacLaine (2012)
100 Years... lists - see:
- AFI: 100 Years... 100 Movies (2007)
- AFI: 100 Most Thrilling Movies Ever
- AFI: 100 Years of Film Scores
- AFI: 100 Greatest American Movies
- AFI: 100 Heroes and Villians
- AFI: 100 Movie Quotes
