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).
Click below to view the full list of nominated and award-winning films from AFI Alumni.
AFI Alumni Films Win At SXSW 2026
Congratulations to AFI Alumni whose films took home Audience Awards at this year’s SXSW. NEVER AFTER DARK, featuring cinematography by Patrick Ouziel (AFI Class of 2017), won in the Midnighter section. MICKEY, produced by Joceline Hernandez (AFI Class of 2011), received the Global Audience Award. I GOT MY BROTHER, directed by Victor K. Gabriel (AFI Class of 2020) with cinematography by Robert Hunter (AFI Class of 2020), was honored in the Documentary Short Competition.
Hollywood Guilds Honor AFI Alumni
AFI Conservatory Alumni have been recognized by many of Hollywood’s leading guilds this awards season, earning top honors across film and television. Click below to see which Alumni were celebrated by the ACE, DGA, PGA, ASC and WGA!
Class of 2005 Honors Their Own With Memorial Tree
In a heartfelt tribute to the enduring bonds formed at AFI, the Class of 2005 has donated and dedicated a tree on Campus in memory of their beloved classmates who have passed. The oak tree from Northeast Trees, accompanied by a commemorative plaque, stands as a living symbol of the creativity, collaboration and lifelong friendships that defined their time at the Institute.
Last fall, during their 20-year reunion, members of the Class of 2005 reflected on the shared dreams and artistic journeys that first brought them to Campus. The memorial serves as a place to remember and celebrate the lasting impact of their classmates’ work. Located at the Campus entrance, the tree will grow alongside future generations of Fellows, embodying the spirit of those whose artistry and friendship remain part of AFI’s legacy.
We miss you, Gianpaolo Santarelli, Marguerite Dunbar, Dwayne Alexander, Bill Balas and Tom Curran.
Digital Diplomas Now Available
Digital diplomas/certificates are now available for Alumni to purchase from the AFI Conservatory through Parchment for $45. Digital credentials complement a paper diploma and are faster to access and can be shared on social media. It is a great way to immediately share your accomplishment with potential employers, official government credential-approving agencies, family and friends. A digital credential will bear the names of officials currently in office at AFI at the time the replacement is requested. If you are interested in purchasing a digital credential, visit AFI’s Parchment storefront.
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
Chad Feehan (AFI Class of 2004) — creator, executive producer and showrunner — launches the new YELLOWSTONE spinoff DUTTON RANCH, premiering May 15 on Paramount+ and Paramount Network. The series also features the work of Jacob E. Forman (AFI Class of 2004) as screenwriter and supervising producer, and Mike Parry (AFI Class of 2003) as cinematographer.
Annetta Marion (AFI DWW Class of 2005) was honored at the 51st Annual Gracie Awards by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation for her work on FIRST TO THE FINISH. Marion received the Gracie Award for Director – Sports Documentary, and the series itself was recognized as Best Sports Program.
Elena Albanese (AFI Class of 2012) served as production designer on YOU, ME & TUSCANY, Universal’s romantic comedy set in the Italian countryside, opening April 10.
Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Elswit (AFI Class of 1977) shot THE PUNISHER: ONE LAST KILL, a Marvel Television Special Presentation premiering May 12 on Disney+.
THE AI DOC: OR HOW I BECAME AN APOCALOPTIMIST, produced by Diane Becker (AFI Class of 2006), premieres in theaters today. Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkPbV3IRe4Y
The 2026 SXSW Film and Television Festival recognized several projects created by AFI filmmakers with Audience Awards. NEVER AFTER DARK, featuring cinematography by Patrick Ouziel (AFI Class of 2017), won in the Midnighter section. MICKEY, produced by Joceline Hernandez (AFI Class of 2011), received the Global Audience Award. I GOT MY BROTHER, directed by Victor K. Gabriel (AFI Class of 2020) with cinematography by Robert Hunter (AFI Class of 2020), was honored in the Documentary Short Competition.
Brad Ingelsby (AFI Class of 2005) brings Oscar winner Mahershala Ali to Season 2 of TASK at HBO, where he will star opposite returning lead Mark Ruffalo.
The AFI Visual Essay CAMINO will have its world premiere at the inaugural Taos Film Festival this April in Taos, New Mexico. The project showcases the talent of the AFI Class of 2025, starring Rana Roy, produced by Maxwell Kagan, co-directed by Simon Schneider, written by Ian Geronimo, edited by Bo Wen, with cinematography by Eliot Grigo.
Writer, director and producer Beata Harju (AFI Class of 2019) has earned a finalist spot for ALONE AT NIGHT in the XR for a Cause category at Laval Virtual, Europe’s oldest and largest XR festival.
Justin Rhodes (AFI Class of 2005) has written LIMINAL, a sci-fi action thriller greenlit by Apple. The film will star Academy Award® nominee Vanessa Kirby alongside Emmy® winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.