News
AFI Conservatory Alumni Honored With 2026 Emmy Award Nominations
The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced the 2026 Emmy Award nominations, celebrating the remarkable talent cultivated at the American Film Institute Conservatory once again. Numerous AFI Alumni were recognized this year for their exceptional work across various categories, showcasing their artistic talent, technique and dedication to their craft.
AFI Announces Honorary Degree Recipients
Academy Award® winners Guillermo del Toro and Aaron Sorkin will receive Honorary Doctorates at the AFI Conservatory Class of 2026 Commencement, celebrating the filmmakers who inspire the next generation of storytellers.
Applications Are Now Open For The AFI DWW+ Class Of 2028
Applications are now open for the AFI DWW+ Class of 2028. For more than 50 years, the tuition-free, year-long workshop has supported emerging directors with mentorship from industry professionals and the opportunity to develop and produce an original short film.
If you know an aspiring director, please help spread the word by sharing this opportunity. Applicants are also invited to attend one of our upcoming Virtual Office Hours sessions to learn more about the application process, workshop timeline and participant experience.
Applications close Wednesday, September 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
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
Patty Jenkins (AFI Class of 2000) is set to produce the romantic comedy BEST MEN, with filmmaker Jason Crain directing the adaptation of Sidney Karger’s script, based on his debut novel.
DUTTON RANCH, created by executive producer and showrunner Chad Feehan (AFI Class of 2004), has become Paramount+’s biggest freshman series to date, averaging 13.3 million views per episode in its first season. The YELLOWSTONE spinoff has also been renewed for a second season.
Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY opens in theaters today. The film features work by line producer Hjortur Gretarsson (AFI Class of 1995) and editorial production assistant Yiming Wang (AFI Class of 2025). Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_bKjZeJBBI
Matthew Syrett‘s (AFI Class of 2024) pilot script, LETHE, was selected as one of 27 quarterfinalists in the Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition.
Deniese Davis (AFI Class of 2012) will serve as an advisor for the 2026 Sundance Institute Producers Lab, which provides project-specific mentorship and year-long fellowships for emerging producers.
Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010) has joined the documentary CROWS ARE WHITE, the debut feature from filmmaker Ahsen Nadeem, as an executive producer under his Square Peg banner.
Rachel Morrison‘s (AFI Class of 2006) LOVE OF YOUR LIFE, starring Margaret Qualley, will make its world premiere in the Special Presentations program at the Toronto International Film Festival.
THEY FIGHT, featuring cinematography by Mark Jeevaratnam (AFI Class of 2017), premieres on Hulu today. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNrHvjH1gM8
Academy Award-winning cinematographer Robert Richardson (AFI Class of 1979) was featured on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, where he discussed his documentary ROBERT RICHARDSON: THE WHITE DEVIL and his upcoming film MADDEN.
A teaser for THE BATMAN PART II, co-written by Mattson Tomlin (AFI Class of 2014), was released following the announcement that the film’s release has been delayed to February 18, 2028.