AFI Awards 2025 Honorees: 'One Battle After Another,' 'Pluribus,' and Other Titles Included in the List

As the World Series concludes and the Super Bowl LX looms weeks away, the American Film Institute is turning the spotlight to a different kind of competition: creative collaboration. On Thursday, AFI unveiled its 2025 Awards honorees, emphasizing its long-standing philosophy of celebrating storytelling as a shared achievement rather than a contest.

AFI takes pride in honoring these talented ensembles together, said AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale. Their work highlights the enduring power of art during challenging times.

The honorees will convene on January 9, 2026, at the Four Seasons Los Angeles for the annual AFI Awards luncheon. This years selection features 21 projects, including the top 10 films, top 10 television programs, and one special recognition. AFI aims to recognize contributions both in front of and behind the camera, reflecting the broad spectrum of creative efforts that shaped 2025.

The honorees were chosen by juries composed of artists, critics, scholars, and AFI Trustees, guided by jury chairs Jeanine Basinger and Richard Frank. Notable jurors included Lily Gladstone, Patton Oswalt, Lauren LeFranc, and Thomas Schlamme. The selections range from the visually stunning Wicked: For Good to the critically acclaimed television series Adolescence, demonstrating the wide variety of work that captivated audiences this year.

International productions are generally not eligible for the top 10 lists, which is why the special mention went to It Was Just an Accident, following a tradition of recognizing exceptional global films outside the main categories.

With this announcement, AFI continues its legacy of highlighting collaboration, craftsmanship, and the collective nature of storytelling. Last years honoree Anora went on to win the Best Picture Oscar, illustrating the awards track record of identifying culturally and artistically significant works.

AFI Motion Pictures of the Year

• Avatar: Fire and Ash
• Frankenstein
• Jay Kelly
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Train Dreams
• Wicked: For Good

AFI Television Programs of the Year

• Adolescence
• Death by Lightning
• The Diplomat
• The Lowdown
• Severance
• The Studio

AFI Special Award

• It Was Just an Accident

Analysis: AFI 2025 Awards Highlight Collaborative Excellence

The American Film Institute’s 2025 Awards reaffirm its focus on collective creativity over individual competition. By honoring 21 projects across film and television, AFI underscores the importance of both on-screen talent and behind-the-scenes contributions in shaping the year’s most impactful storytelling.

The jury, composed of artists, critics, and scholars including Lily Gladstone and Patton Oswalt, selected projects ranging from visually ambitious films like Wicked: For Good to acclaimed television series such as Adolescence. This mix reflects AFI’s commitment to recognizing diverse forms of artistic achievement within the industry.

The inclusion of a special award for the international film It Was Just an Accident maintains AFI’s tradition of acknowledging global work, even when it falls outside the top 10 domestic lists. AFI continues to serve as a barometer for culturally significant projects, evidenced by last year’s honoree Anora going on to win Best Picture at the Oscars.

Overall, the 2025 awards reinforce AFI’s long-standing philosophy: collaboration and craftsmanship remain central to meaningful storytelling, highlighting the industry’s collective achievements during a transformative year.

Sources:

• AFI Awards 2025 Honorees: ‘One Battle After Another,’ ‘Pluribus,’ and More Make the List

Author: Olivia Parker
Olivia Parker is a journalist and editor with over 8 years in media. She focuses on culture, arts, and social issues, skilled in feature writing and critical reviews.