AFI names “GOT”, “Better Call Saul” best TV shows of 2016

PanARMENIAN.Net - The American Film Institute has announced its selection of best movies and TV shows of the year. Among the TV honorees are some popular titles like FX's action drama "The Americans", AMC's crime series "Better Call Saul" and HBO's recurrent Emmy-winners "Game of Thrones" and "Veep", AceShowbiz said.

The list also includes six rookies like NBC's hit "This Is Us", FX's comedy "Atlanta" and courtroom biopic "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story", Netflix's sci-fi horror "Stranger Things", British monarchy drama "The Crown" and HBO's crime drama "The Night Of".

AFI is giving a Special Award to ESPN's "O.J.: Made in America", which is a nearly eight-hour-long documentary that aired on TV, raising speculations about whether it qualifies for best documentary Oscar consideration as it has picked up best documentary nominations and awards.

The American Film Institute president and CEO Bob Gazzale said in a statement, "Year after year, we are reminded of the power of artists to bring us together as one. AFI Awards is proud to recognize the achievements of the storytelling teams who have enlightened and informed us, guided and inspired us and ultimately invited us to empathize with others in a reminder of our common humanity."

This year's juries were chaired by producers and AFI board of trustees vice chairs Tom Pollock for movie category and Richard Frank for TV category. Other jury members include Elizabeth Banks, Robert Benton, Diane English, Jon Hamm, Michelle King, Lori McGearu, Rachel Morrison, Patricia Riggen, Mark Harris and Leonard Maltin.

The awards will be presented to the honorees at a luncheon on January 6, 2017 in Los Angeles.