There’s always a lot of anticipation surrounding AFI’s list of top movies and TV programs of the year, and their choices didn’t disappoint this time. Dune and Power of the Dog made the cut as the best films of the year, while Succession and Ted Lasso dominated the TV categories.
The annual AFI Awards honor 10 outstanding films and TV programs deemed culturally and artistically representative of the year behind us. There’s a lot of anticipation surrounding its release because future Oscar winners and top contenders usually make the cut.
In an official statement following the announcement of this year’s honorees, AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale said that they’re honored to shine a proper light upon the most outstanding screen stories of 2021 and those who worked to bring them to screens. “From soaring in spirit to dark and dangerous—from heartbreaking to hilarious—these are the stories that have united us in uncertain times and continue to drive culture forward,” said Gazzale.
AFI’s list of top films features several Oscar front-runners, including The Power of the Dog, Dune, and West Side Story. When it comes to TV programs that made the cut, AFI honored Emmy winners Ted Lasso and Succession, but also gave a shout-out to several underrated shows, such as Reservation Dogs and Schmigadoon!
AFI FILM OF THE YEAR
CODA
Don’t Look Up
Dune
King Richard
Licorice Pizza
Nightmare Alley
The Power of the Dog
Tick, Tick… Boom!
The Tragedy of Macbeth
West Side Story
AFI Special Award (Film)
Belfast
Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
AFI TELEVISION PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR
Hacks
Maid
Mare of Easttown
Reservation Dogs
Schmigadoon!
Succession
Ted Lasso
The Underground Railroad
Wandavision
The White Lotus
AFI Special Award (TV)
Squid Game
