AFI unveils film, TV honorees

The Descendants gained kudos steam Sunday with an AFI mention. It also took best pic honors from L.A. crix.'Bridesmaids''The Artist''Homeland'The Descendants gained kudos steam Sunday with an AFI mention. It also took best pic honors from L.A. crix.'Bridesmaids''The Artist''Homeland'When the American Film Institute announced its 10 movies of the year on Sunday, the notable omissions said just as much about the race as the films that made the list.The 9/11-centered "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," which director Stephen Daldry completed only a week ago, didn't make AFI's top 10, though its one of the most distinctly American-themed films in contention. It was a surprising omission given AFI's directive to recognize American productions with its awards, which is the reason that kudos-circuit darling "The Artist" and box office titan "Harry Potter" received special awards instead of being a part of the official list.It is tempting to wonder about "Extremely Loud's" Oscar chances following the AFI snub, as well as its failing to receive awards from the trio of critics groups that announced their selections on Sunday: the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn., the Boston Film Critics and NY Film Critics Online. Though last year's AFI list didn't include the U.K.-produced best picture Oscar winner, "The King's Speech," because of its British pedigree, every other film on the list did go on to earn a nom, with the exception of "The Town." Incidentally, "King's Speech" didn't receive the special recognition that AFI chose to give to "The Artist," so its reputation as a bellwether isn't perfect.However, placement on AFI's list helps a number of films remain a part of the awards conversation at a crucial time. For "The Help," "The Descendants" and "Midnight in Paris," AFI nods serve to reinforce the notion that those films continue to be likely contenders when the Academy announces Oscar nominations Jan. 24. For "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," AFI showed that months of industry screenings aren't really the key to achieving recognition. The inclusion of "J. Edgar" and "War Horse" show that online sniping doesn't negate industry sentiment for veteran filmmakers. And the groundswell of awards buzz about the summer comedy "Bridesmaids," as well as its supporting actress contender Melissa McCarthy, is likely to only get louder in the next month.Though AFI also released its TV list on Sunday, it's unlikely to affect the outcome of Thursday's Golden Globes nominations because ballots are due to the accounting firm by today.Nevertheless, AFI's tastes range from the rich historical drama "Boardwalk Empire" to the cutting-edge comedy "Louie." Showtime's freshman series "Homeland," which has been a big ratings draw for the network, is also on AFI's list.The films and TV series will receive awards at an invitation-only luncheon on Jan. 13 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. Honorees for both film and TV are selected based on the extent to which they advance the art of the moving image; enhance the rich cultural heritage of America's art form; inspire audiences and artists alike; and/or make a mark on American society."AFI Awards represents the proudest of moments in the Institute's calendar of events," said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. "The event brings together the year's top artists in a celebration of community, not competition."AFI movies of the year are, in alphabetical order: "Bridesmaids," "The Descendants," "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," "The Help," "Hugo," "J. Edgar," "Midnight in Paris," "Moneyball," "The Tree of Life" and "War Horse."AFI TV programs of the year are "Boardwalk Empire," "Breaking Bad," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Game of Thrones," "The Good Wife," "Homeland," "Justified," "Louie," "Modern Family" and "Parks and Recreation."The complete list of honorees follows:AFI Movies of the Year"Bridesmaids""The Descendants""The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo""The Help""Hugo""J. Edgar""Midnight in Paris""Moneyball""The Tree of Life""War Horse"AFI Special Awards"The Artist"The Harry Potter SeriesAFI TV Programs of the Year"Breaking Bad""Boardwalk Empire""Curb Your Enthusiasm""Game of Thrones""The Good Wife""Homeland""Justified""Louie""Modern Family""Parks and Recreation" Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com