by Marla Lewin

The American Film Institute (AFI) today announced the official selections of AFI AWARDS 2009, AFI’s almanac that records the year’s most outstanding achievements in film and television, as well as significant moments in the world of the moving image.

AFI AWARDS is the only recognition that honors the film and television creative ensembles as a whole—those both in front of and behind the camera—acknowledging the collaborative nature of film and television.

Unlike any other film or television award, the AFI AWARDS 2009 selections are made through AFI’s unique 13-person jury process in which scholars, film artists, critics and AFI trustees discuss, debate and determine the most outstanding achievements of the year, as well as provide a detailed rationale for each selection. Two AFI juries—one for motion pictures and one for television—convened in Los Angeles for two days of deliberations at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel. The AFI JURY for Motion Pictures included: Norman Jewison,

Sean Astin, Dustin Lance Black, Leo Braudy, Mark Harris, Patty Jenkins, Leonard Maltin, Elvis Mitchell, Chon Noriega, Tom Pollock, Claudia Puig, Richard Schickel, and Lisa Schwarzbaum. The AFI JURY for Television included: Neal Baer, Stanley Brooks, Bambi Haggins, L.S. Kim, Brian Lowry, David Milch, Lisa Parks, CCH Pounder, Matt Roush, Maureen Ryan, Ellen Seiter, John Shaffner, and Robert J. Thompson.

AFI will honor the creative ensembles for each of the selections at a luncheon sponsored by Hewlett-Packard on Friday, January 15, 2010 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The luncheon is by invitation only. 

Each year, AFI AWARDS honors excellence in American film and television by recognizing the creative ensembles that collaborate to create the year's outstanding movies and television programs, all of which best advanced the art of the moving image; enhanced the rich cultural heritage of America's art form; inspired audiences and artists alike; and/or made a mark on American society. “AFI AWARDS 2009 is the tenth chapter in a century-long program to honor the artists and their work," said Bob Gazzale, AFI President & CEO.  "This program celebrates the creative community." The AFI Conservatory is world-renowned for its advanced training of the next generation of storytellers. 

The honorees are listed below in alphabetical order:

AFI MOVIES OF THE YEAR—OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

CORALINE
 
THE HANGOVER
 
THE HURT LOCKER
 
THE MESSENGER
 
PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE
 
A SERIOUS MAN
 
A SINGLE MAN
 
SUGAR
 
UP
 
UP IN THE AIR

AFI TV PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR—OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

THE BIG BANG THEORY

BIG LOVE

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

GLEE

MAD MEN

MODERN FAMILY

THE NO. 1 LADIES’ DETECTIVE AGENCY

NURSE JACKIE

PARTY DOWN

TRUE BLOOD

video of the honorees can be found here.