America's cultural legacy resonates around the world through movies and television.
"When placed in an historical context, these stories archive a complex, rich, visual record of our modern civilization," according to Officials at the AFI.
With this foremost in mind, the American Film Institute awards honors for excellence in the moving image arts within the context of a year in review, with the specific aim of meeting a National mandate...to create an annual almanac that records and preserves the evolution of the moving image arts in the 21st century.
The Award-winners are as follows,
AFI MOVIES OF THE YEAR (OFFICIAL SELECTIONS)
*BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD
*THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY
*INTO THE WILD
*JUNO
*KNOCKED UP
*MICHAEL CLAYTON
*NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
*RATATOUILLE
*THE SAVAGES
*THERE WILL BE BLOOD
AFI TV PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR (OFFICIAL SELECTIONS)
*DEXTER
*EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS
*FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
*LONGFORD
*MAD MEN
*PUSHING DAISIES
*THE SOPRANOS
*TELL ME YOU LOVE ME
*30 ROCK
*UGLY BETTY
By virtue of the "AWARDS" program, the AFI subsequently adds volume to the history of American film and television each year by documenting the collective opinion of the moving image communities, recognizing the year's significant moments, and honoring the individuals and creative ensembles who have created the year's outstanding achievements.
The AFI came about when President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation in the White House Rose Garden, in 1962, creating the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
On that occasion, he noted,
"We will create an American Film Institute that will bring together leading artists of the film industry, outstanding educators, and young men and women who wish to pursue this 20th century art form as their life's work."
Today, AFI is a National Institute providing leadership in screen education and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television and digital media.
In addition, AFI trains the next generation of filmmakers at its world-renowned Conservatory, maintains America's film heritage through the AFI Catalog of Feature Films, and explores new digital technologies in entertainment and education through the AFI Digital Content Lab and K-12 Screen Education Center.
Dexter (TV AWARD SELECTION)