AFI Life Achievement Award

AFI Life Achievement Award (1973- )

RunningAward Show show

The AFI Life Achievement Award was established by the Board of Directors of the American Film Institute on February 26, 1973 to honor a single individual for his or her lifetime contribution to enriching American culture through motion pictures and television. The Recipient is selected and honored at a ceremony annually, with the award presented by a master of ceremonies and recently, the prior year's recipient, who usually gives a brief synopsis of the awarded individual and career background including highlights and achievements. 

Networks
Scheduleevery Thursday at 22:00 (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
2025-06-18A Tribute to Francis Ford Coppolajuin 18, 2025
2024-06-17A Tribute to Nicole Kidmanjuin 17, 2024
2022-06-09A Tribute to Julie Andrewsjuin 9, 2022
2019-06-06A Tribute to Denzel Washingtonjuin 6, 2019
2018-06-21A Tribute to George Clooneyjuin 21, 2018
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When was the AFI Life Achievement Award premiered?

The AFI Life Achievement Award premiered on June 21, 1973.

Who was receiving the award in the year 1973?

John Ford was receiving the award in the year 1973.

Who is the youngest person to receive the award?

Steven Spielberg is the youngest person to receive the award at the age of 45.

How many honorees have been awarded for their achievements in television?

Thirty-five honorees have been awarded for their achievements in television.

Who was the first woman to receive the award?

Bette Davis was the first woman to receive the award.

Who was the only honoree to refuse to receive the award?

George C. Scott was the only honoree to refuse to receive the award.

What was the genre of the first honoree?

John Ford, the first honoree, was a film director.

How many times has Sidney Poitier been honored with the award?

Sidney Poitier has been honored with the award twice.

Who is the most recent honoree to have received the award?

Denzel Washington is the most recent honoree to have received the award in 2019.

Who is the only non-American honoree of the AFI Life Achievement Award?

Satyajit Ray, an Indian filmmaker, is the only non-American honoree of the AFI Life Achievement Award.

Has the award ever been given posthumously?

No, the award has never been given posthumously.

How many people have been awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award?

48 people have been awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award.

Who was the first honoree to receive the award in the 21st century?

Harrison Ford was the first honoree to receive the award in the 21st century.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Also known as

  • American Film Institute Salute to... (United States)
  • AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to... (United States)

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Court Cam
Running

Court Cam

From frightening outbursts to furious judges, Court Cam gives viewers an in-depth examination of some of the most stunning and emotional courtroom moments caught on camera. Hosted by Dan Abrams, each episode will include interviews with judges, witnesses, and victims who give a first-hand account of what really happened during these intense courtroom moments. This comprehensive look at how the action unfolds allows viewers to sit in the courtroom as they witness crazy courtroom moments from the most high-profile trials to minor court proceedings.

Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service
Running

Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service

Restaurateurs who are looking for a quick fix or social media glow-up are in for the surprise of their lives when famed culinary titan Gordon Ramsay trades his signature chef knives for a state-of-the-art surveillance vehicle and cutting-edge spyware in FOX's all-new unscripted series, Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service. In a Gordon Ramsay series first, Chef Ramsay will venture into struggling restaurants under the cover of night. With the help of a secret source on the inside, he'll gather raw, unfiltered evidence and get a 360-degree view of the major issues facing each restaurant. This insider will not only remain a secret to the staff, but will also help Ramsay infiltrate the restaurant after-hours for a dramatic nighttime black light kitchen investigation that reveals more filth and grossness than ever before. By the time Ramsay reveals his identity, it will be too late for staff to cover up their culinary crimes. Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service will be his toughest assignment yet as he takes drastic measures to transform not only the restaurant but also the staff, because Gordon knows he can upgrade the menu and renovate the restaurant, but the most important change has to come from the people. Are the restaurant and staff willing to accept Gordon's mission, or are they too far gone to be saved?

GenreFood
The 1% Club
Running

The 1% Club

The 1% Club is a unique, compelling and funny entertainment show that tests the nation's intelligence, based on a scientific survey. It's a chance to test how your brain works through a series of questions that all have a right answer but can also lead to a series of entertaining wrong answers along the way. Whether you're a contestant vying for the cash prize or a viewer playing with your friends and family on the app, answer enough questions correctly, and you could earn yourself a place in the 1% Club: an elite group of people who can honestly say they've outwitted 99% of the population.

General Hospital
Running

General Hospital

General Hospital, which celebrated its golden anniversary on April 1, 2013, continues its tradition of passion, intrigue and adventure that takes place in the fictional town of Port Charles in upstate New York. The glamour and excitement of those who have come to find their destinies in this familiar seaport town intertwine with the lives, loves and fortunes of beloved, well-known faces. As always, love, danger and mind blowing plot twists continue to abound on General Hospital with contemporary storylines and unforgettable characters.

South Park
Running

South Park

South Park is an adult comedy animation show centred around 4 children in the small town of south park. Its humour is often dark involving satirical elements and mocking current real-life events.

GenreComedy