AFI Awards 2004 Official Selections Announced

By James Wray Dec 13, 2004, 3:37 GMT

The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced the official selections of AFI AWARDS 2004, AFI's almanac which 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 2004 is the only form of national recognition that honors the film and television creative ensemble as a whole -- those people in front of and behind the camera -- acknowledging the collaborative nature of film and television.

Unlike any other film or television award currently given, the AFI AWARDS 2004 selections were made through AFI's unique 13-person jury process in which scholars, 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 deliberation. The jurors have remained confidential until today.

AFI will honor the creative ensembles for each of the honorees at a luncheon sponsored by Ellen Tracy on Friday, January 14, 2005, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The jury rationales for each selection will be revealed at this event.

"AFI is proud to honor these 20 collaborative teams that have made 2004 such a remarkable year in film and television. As the institute recognizes and celebrates excellence across the century, these honorees will be part of the record that documents America's enduring cultural legacy," commented Jean Picker Firstenberg, AFI's Director and CEO.

The honorees are listed below in alphabetical order:

AFI MOVIES OF THE YEAR-OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

• The Aviator
• Collateral
• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
• Friday Night Lights
• The Incredibles
• Kinsey
• Maria Full of Grace
• Million Dollar Baby
• Sideways
• Spider-Man 2

AFI TV PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR-OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

• Arrested Development
• Curb Your Enthusiasm
• Deadwood
• Desperate Housewives
• Lost
• Nip/Tuck
• The Shield
• Something the Lord Made
• The Sopranos

The jurors include David Ansen of Newsweek, Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times/Ebert & Roeper) and numerous other industry figures. 

Source: American Film Institute