News
AFI Alumni Win At The Academy Awards
We are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the AFI Conservatory community at this year’s Academy Awards®! Congratulations to Autumn Durald Arkapaw (AFI Class of 2009), winner of the Academy Award® for Best Cinematography for SINNERS.
We also celebrate three Oscar® wins for films executive produced by Kim Magnusson (AFI Class of 1991): MR NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN (Best Documentary Feature), ALL THE EMPTY ROOMS (Best Documentary Short Film), which was also executive produced by Eric Nichols (AFI Class of 2013) and TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA (Best Live Action Short Film).
AFI Conservatory Alumni Nominated for the 86th Annual Peabody Awards
The 86th Annual Peabody Awards, recognizing excellence in TV, radio and digital media, has announced this year’s nominees, including standout work from AFI Alumni. These projects highlight pressing social issues and bold new voices shaping today’s storytelling landscape. AFI proudly celebrates the Alumni behind these achievements.
Winners will be announced April 23 and honored at a ceremony in Los Angeles on May 31.
Reserve a Space at the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center
Planning a meeting, table read or rehearsal? As an AFI Conservatory Alum, you can book our versatile conference and multi-purpose rooms at the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center. Please review the updated campus access website and request a campus visit.
Join the AFI Alumni Network on Backlot
Looking for collaborators, industry insights or opportunities to mentor fellow AFI Alumni? Stay connected with the latest happenings in the AFI community by signing up for AFI Backlot. It’s your space to share, connect and strengthen our creative network!
Request an AFI Email
Need an AFI email address to streamline communication with fellow Alumni or assistance with your AFI Alumni account? Our Alumni Affairs team is here to help – contact us today!
AFI FRIDAY UPDATE
The 86th Annual Peabody Awards, recognizing excellence in TV, radio and digital media, has announced this year’s nominees, including work from AFI Alumni. These projects highlight pressing social issues and bold new voices shaping today’s storytelling landscape. AFI proudly celebrates the Alumni behind these achievements.
Amy Heckerling (AFI Class of 1974) recently appeared on the “It Happened in Hollywood” podcast, where she reflects on the highs and lows of bringing her breakout comedy FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH to the big screen.
Matthew Robbins (AFI Class of 1969) co-wrote RAY GUNN with Brad Bird, a long-gestating sci-fi project now revived by Netflix. The animated film has released first-look images and announced a voice cast including Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson and Tom Waits.
Dante Di Loreto (AFI Class of 1991) is executive producing Fox Entertainment and Fremantle’s BAYWATCH reboot. The 12-episode Fox series has set its cast and is slated to premiere in the 2026-27 season.
Filmmaker Bianca Catbagan (AFI DWW+ Class of 2027) recently sat down with Vogue to discuss her project ROYAL BLOOD, a queer reimagining of Maria Clara set in the Philippines in 1888.
Melina Matsoukas (AFI Class of 2005) will direct and produce the film adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s PARABLE OF THE SOWER for Warner Bros.
CHERUBS, directed by Pietro Zuercher (AFI Class of 2002) and Anna Pieri Zuercher, is coming to Los Angeles with screenings at the Beverly Hills Film Festival (April 17, 12:30 p.m., TCL Chinese 6 Theatres) and the Hollywood Shortsfest (April 18, 4:00 p.m., Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute). Watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/pietrozuercher/cherubstrailer
The UCLA Film & Television Archive will present a screening of LEGACY, directed by Karen Arthur (AFI DWW Class of 1974), on June 28 at the Billy Wilder Theater, with Arthur among the guest speakers.
Elena Albanese (AFI Class of 2012) serves as production designer on YOU, ME & TUSCANY, Universal’s romantic comedy set in the Italian countryside, opening today in theaters. Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09kuFgvohIU
AFI Screenwriting Fellow Alexandra Chadwick has been named the 2025–2026 recipient of the Michael Collyer Memorial Fellowship in Screenwriting from the Writers Guild Initiative. Her project, DUCK SKIN, was selected.
Sadly, Arne Olsen (AFI Class of 1985), who wrote MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE MOVIE, RED SCORPION and COP AND A HALF, has passed away. He was also a mentor to many aspiring screenwriters and taught at Capilano University and Vancouver Film School in his native Vancouver, BC.