BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – The American Film Institute (AFI) Awards are renowned for ensuring that every attendee, from Leonardo DiCaprio to Ariana Grande, walks away feeling celebrated and acknowledged.

This inclusive spirit was evident on Friday at the AFI Awards’ exclusive luncheon in Beverly Hills. The event honored the artistic teams behind the most notable film and television productions of 2026, applauding efforts both in front of and behind the camera.

In the ballroom, the traditional format of acceptance speeches and tense envelope reveals was set aside. Instead, the ceremony featured elegantly crafted tributes for each winning film and show, supplemented by short clips that situated the year’s achievements within a larger cultural and artistic narrative.

AFI President Bob Gazzale addressed a room full of luminaries, emphasizing communal recognition rather than individual victories.

The ambiance reflected this collective celebration. Iconic filmmaker Steven Spielberg was seen conversing with Ryan Coogler, accompanied by his wife, Zinzi Coogler, producer of “Sinners.” Meanwhile, actor Michael B. Jordan mingled, exchanging greetings with honorees and guests like Jesse Plemons of “Bugonia” and Mark Ruffalo from “Task.” Directors James Cameron and Guillermo del Toro also shared a warm exchange.

Nearby, DiCaprio stood side by side with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and actors Benicio del Toro and Edward James Olmos. Chase Infiniti looked on from her table, gazing toward her “One Battle After Another” co-stars before the program kicked off.

On the red carpet, with “Death by Lightning” actor Nick Offerman beside him, George Clooney shared laughs with a photographer, adding to the easygoing tone that carried throughout the afternoon. After the event, Infiniti and Jordan reunited for a hug and a brief catch-up, a quiet moment that underscored the camaraderie in the room.

Films honored include “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “Bugonia,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Jay Kelly,” “Marty Supreme,” “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” “Train Dreams” and “Wicked: For Good.”

Television shows recognized were “Adolescence,” “Andor,” “Death by Lightning,” “The Diplomat,” “The Lowdown,” “The Pitt,” “Severance,” “The Studio” and “Task.”

Closing the ceremony was Carol Burnett, who delivered AFI’s annual benediction, celebrating the honorees’ achievements while reflecting on her own lifelong love of cinema and television.

“I’ve never lost the deep respect and love that I have for all the stories we tell through cinema and television and by all of those behind and in front of the camera,” Burnett said. “Creative collaboration has always remained at the heart of our work, and AFI brings us all together. The world is a better place for having heard your voices.”

The luncheon also featured AFI’s signature March of Time video montage, a sweeping look at cinematic and television milestones from decades past, situating this year’s honorees within the evolving history of the medium.