Hollywood stars gather for an all-winners celebration at the American Film Institute Awards
January 9, 2026
The American Film Institute Awards has gathered its 2026 honorees for a special luncheon in Beverly Hills. The Friday event honored creative teams both in front of and behind the camera. There were no acceptance speeches or suspenseful moments, just thoughtful tributes and clips showcasing the year’s work. AFI President Bob Gazzale emphasized shared recognition. The luncheon also featured AFI’s signature March of Time video montage, a sweeping look at cinematic and television milestones from decades past. It put this year’s honorees within the evolving history of the medium. Carol Burnett closed the ceremony, celebrating the power of creative collaboration.