American Film Institute Announces AFI Awards 2017 Official Selections

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the Official Selections of AFI AWARDS 2017, celebrating the year's most outstanding achievements in the art of the moving image — with 10 films and 10 television programs deemed culturally and artistically significant.

In addition to the 20 honorees, AFI also recognizes THE VIETNAM WAR with an AFI Special Award.

"At a time when the world seems defined by division, storytellers bring us together as one," said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO.  "AFI AWARDS is honored to celebrate this community of artists who challenge and inspire us, entertain and enlighten us — ultimately reminding us of our common heartbeat."

AFI AWARDS selections are made through a jury process where AFI Trustees, scholars, artists and critics determine the year's most outstanding achievements and provide contextual rationales for each selection.

This year's juries — one for film and one for television — were chaired by AFI Board of Trustees Vice Chairs Tom Pollock (former Vice Chairman of MCA, Chairman of Universal Pictures) for film and Richard Frank (former Chairman of Walt Disney Television, President of Walt Disney Studios, President of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) for television.  The juries featured acclaimed artists such as Judd Apatow*, Paris Barclay, Halle Berry, Jay Cassidy (AFI Class of 1976), Jamie Lee Curtis and Jennifer Getzinger (AFI Directing Workshop for Women, Class of 2005); renowned authors and scholars representing prestigious universities with recognized motion picture arts and television programs; film historian Leonard Maltin; the AFI Board of Trustees; and film and television critics from media outlets such as NPR, Rolling Stone, TV Guide, Variety and The Washington Post.

*Apatow recused himself from voting on THE BIG SICK, of which he is a producer.

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SOURCE American Film Institute