Hollywood, Calif. – Congratulations to the AFI AWARDS 2023 honorees! AFI AWARDS honorees include 10 outstanding motion pictures and 10 outstanding TV programs deemed culturally and artistically representative of this year’s most significant achievements in the art of the moving image.
AFI MOTION PICTURES OF THE YEAR AMERICAN FICTION BARBIE THE HOLDOVERS KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON MAESTRO MAY DECEMBER OPPENHEIMER PAST LIVES POOR THINGS SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE
AFI TELEVISION PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR ABBOTT ELEMENTARY THE BEAR BEEF JURY DUTY THE LAST OF US THE MORNING SHOW ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING POKER FACE RESERVATION DOGS SUCCESSION
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “That we do so without competition is AFI’s hallmark, and we are proud to gather this community of artists together – as one – to celebrate their extraordinary contributions to our time.”
Honorees will gather on Friday, January 12, 2024, for recognition at the annual AFI AWARDS private luncheon — an event favored by the entertainment community for its informal intimacy and its inclusive acknowledgement of excellence.
FIJI Water is returning as the Official Water Sponsor for the event. The No. 1 premium imported water bottle brand in the U.S. will keep luncheon honorees and attendees hydrated with Earth’s Finest, iconic 500mL bottles made from 100% recycled material (rPET). This, along with the 330mL, is part of the brand’s effort to shift the entire portfolio to recycled plastic bottles. FIJI Water is excited to help AFI celebrate entertainment’s past year of performance and production milestones.
AFI AWARDS celebrates film and television arts’ collaborative nature and is the only national program that honors creative teams as a whole, recognizing those in front of and behind the camera. All of the honored works advance the art of the moving image, inspire audiences and artists alike and enhance the rich cultural heritage of America’s art form. When placed in a historical context, these stories provide a complex and rich visual record of our modern world.
AFI AWARDS selections are made through a jury process where AFI Trustees, artists, critics and scholars determine the year’s most outstanding achievements and provide artistic and cultural context for the selection of each honoree.
This year’s juries — one for motion pictures and one for television — included artists Paris Barclay, Sarah Broshar, David Chase, Carol Leifer, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Joe Weisberg; scholars Mark Harris, Leonard Maltin and more from Syracuse University, the University of Southern California and the University of Texas at Austin; members of the AFI Board of Trustees; critics Ann Hornaday, Mary McNamara, Janet Maslin, Peter Travers and others from The New Yorker, TV Guide and more. The juries were chaired by AFI Board of Trustees member Jeanine Basinger (Chair Emerita and Founder of the Film Studies Department, Wesleyan University) and AFI Board of Trustees Vice Chair Richard Frank (former Chairman of Walt Disney Television, President of Walt Disney Studios, President of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences).
The 2023 recipients join a distinguished group of previous AFI AWARDS honorees whose works define the art form and contribute to our rich cultural legacy. View past AFI AWARDS honorees.
Learn more about how you can support AFI’s mission to empower storytellers and inspire audiences.
LONDON, ENGLAND – December 4: Penelope Cruz with host Mariayah Kaderbhai during the BAFTA Life in Pictures event, held at BAFTA’s 195 Piccadilly headquarters on Monday 4 December, 2023 in London, England. (Photo BAFTA/Alecsandra Dragoi)
London – Monday 4 December: Earlier this evening BAFTA hosted a career retrospective with award-winning actor Penélope Cruz. In an in-depth discussion with Mariayah Kaderbhai, Head of Programmes at BAFTA, Penélope Cruz reflected on her varied, award-winning filmography, including her forthcoming film Ferrari, directed by Michael Mann.
Six of Cruz’s films were explored as part of the event, including Don’t Move (2004), Volver (2006), Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), Official Competition (2021), Parallel Mothers (2021), and Ferrari (2023).
A BAFTA and Academy Award winner for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, as well as a BAFTA and three-time Academy Award nominee throughout her filmography, Penélope Cruz has proven herself to be one of the industry’s most accomplished performers, lending her talents to an array of revered films and becoming the first actress from Spain to be nominated for and win an Academy Award. Past credits include Don’t Move, Volver, and Nine.
In 2021, she starred in Pedro Almodóvar’s Parallel Mothers, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 2021 Venice Film Festival. In 2022, Cruz partnered with The MediaPro Studio to launch her production company Moonlyon, which will produce premium non-fiction and dramatic content. Up next, she will star alongside Adam Driver and Shailene Woodley in Michael Mann’s Ferrari.
BAFTA: A Life in Pictures is a long-running series of in-depth interviews in which some of the world’s leading film and television talent share unique career insights into the experiences that helped them hone and develop their craft.
The series has previously hosted figures including Kate Hudson, Daniel Craig, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Viola Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tom Hanks, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Baz Luhrmann, Sam Mendes, Helen Mirren, Margot Robbie, Meryl Streep, Martin Scorsese, Kristin Scott Thomas, Meryl Streep, Quentin Tarantino, Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet.
About BAFTA BAFTA – the British Academy of Film and Television Arts – is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. For more, visit www.bafta.org. BAFTA is a registered charity (no. 216726).
With Featured Performance by Billie Eilish and Finneas, Gala was Co-Chaired by Ava Duvernay, Dr. Eric Esrailian, Halle Berry, and Ryan Murphy, Presented by Rolex.
LOS ANGELES, CA (December 3, 2023) – The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which held its third annual gala tonight, raised over $10 million to support the museum’s exhibitions, education initiatives, and public programming, including screenings, K-12 programs, and access initiatives in service of the general public and the local community of Los Angeles. Dedicated to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking, the gala was generously presented by Rolex—Founding Supporter and Official Watch Partner of the Academy Museum—and co-chaired by Academy AwardⓇ -nominated director Ava DuVernay, Academy Museum Trustee, physician, producer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Dr. Eric Esrailian, Academy Award-winning actor and Academy Museum supporter Halle Berry, and Academy Museum Trustee and screenwriter, director, producer Ryan Murphy.
The celebratory evening, commemorating the acclaimed museum’s two-year anniversary, was a star-studded affair that honored four Hollywood icons for their contributions to film both past and present. Greta Gerwig presented three-time Academy Award-winner and 21-time Academy Award-nominated actor Meryl Streep with the Academy Museum Gala Icon Award, celebrating her significant global cultural impact. The Visionary Award was presented to Academy Award-winning and three-time Academy Award-nominated filmmaker and actor Sofia Coppola by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloe Zhao for her extensive body of work that has advanced the art of cinema. This year’s Vantage Award was presented by Christopher Nolan to award-winning actor, producer, and director Michael B. Jordan, whose sister Jamila Jordan accepted on his behalf, for his work as an emerging artist who is helping to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema. Global media leader Oprah Winfrey received the Pillar Award from Gala Co-Chair Ava Duvernay, acknowledging her exemplary leadership and support for the Academy Museum.
L to R: Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Sofia Coppola Meryl Streep Photographed By Hunter Abrams for Academy Museum Oprah Winfrey Photographed by Stefanie Keenan/ Getty Images for Academy Museum Sofia Coppola Photographed by Emma MacIntyre/ Getty Images for Academy Museum
The event was attended by some of Hollywood’s most prolific and notable actors, filmmakers, and industry executives as well as members of the event’s host committee who came together to support the museum. Guests included: Addison Rae, Adria Arjona, Adrien Brody, Alana Haim, Aldis Hodge, Alicia Vikander, Allan DiCastro, Amber Valletta, America Ferrera, Andrew Durham, Angela Bassett, Anna Diop, Anna Kendrick, Arianne Phillips, Aunjanue Ellis, Aurora James, Awkwafina, Aziz Ansari, B.J. Novak, Barry Keoghan, Bettina Korek, Brit Marling, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, Bryce Dallas Howard, Camila Morrone, Camille Rowe, Cara Delevigne, Cara Jade Myers, Carolyn Murphy, Charles Melton, Chloë Grace Moretz, Chloe Zhao, Chris Briney, Chrissy Teigen, Christina Ricci, Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy, Clara Wong, Claudia Sulewski, Colman Domingo, Cord Jefferson, Corey Hawkins, Courtney B. Vance, D.V. DeVincentis, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinart, Danielle Brooks, Danielle Haim, Danny Ramirez, David Oyelowo, Deepika Padukone, Demi Moore, Diana Silvers, Drew Kuhse, Dua Lipa, Elizabeth Banks, Emerald Fennell, Este Haim, Eva Longoria, Fantasia Barrino, Finneas Baird O’Connell, Gael Garcia Bernal, Gayle King, Gemma Chan, George C. Wolfe, Gia Coppola, Glenn Howerton, Grace Van Patten, Greta Gerwig, Greta Lee, Hailey Bieber, Hari Nef, Harley Viera Newton, Henry Golding, Irene Neuwirth, Irwin Winkler, Jack Huston, Jamie Mizrahi, JaNae Collins, Jared Leto, Jay Ellis, Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Connelly, Jesse Plemons, Jesse Williams, JJ Abrams, Jodie Turner Smith, John Legend, Jon Batiste, Jon Bernthal, José Bastón, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Joseph Lee, Julia Garner, Julianne Moore, Jurnee Smollett, Kaia Gerber, Karlie Kloss, Kate Mulleavy, Ke Huy Quan, Keke Palmer, Kelly Lynch, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Kendall Jenner, Kerry Condon, Kim Gordon, Kirsten Dunst, Kyle MacLachlan, LaKeith Stanfield, Lamorne Morris, Laura Harrier, Laura Mulleavy, Lauren Santo Domingo, Lenny Kravitz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Liz Raposo, Luke Wilson, Lupita Nyong’o, Maggie Betts, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Margaret Qualley, Margo Winkler, Mark Bradford, Mason Gooding, Max Minghella, Meghann Fahy, Michaela J. Rodriguez, Michelle Williams, Miky Lee, Mitch Glazer, Molly Gordon, Molly Shannon, Nat Wolff, Natasha Lyonne, Nicholas Galitzine, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Nicolas Ghesquière, Niecy Nash-Betts, Nina Garcia, Niousha Noor, Olivia Wilde, Paul Bettany, Paul Giamatti, Peter Sarsgaard, Phoebe Dynevor, Phoebe Tonkin, Rachel Morrison, Rachel Sennott , Rachel Zegler, Rashida Jones, Regina Hall, Robert Downey Jr., Roger Ross Williams, Ryan Bathe, Salma Hayak, Samara Weaving, Sandra Oh, Saoirse Ronan, Selena Gomez, Seth Rogen, Shameik Moore, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Stan Walker, Stephanie Hsu, Stephen Galloway, Sterling K. Brown, Taraji P Henson, Taylor Zakhar Perez, Taylour Paige, Teyana Taylor, Tom Blyth, Tracee Ellis Ross, Willem Dafoe, Youree Henley, Zachary Quinto, Zazie Beetz, Zoë Kravitz and more.
Director and President of the Academy Museum, Jacqueline Stewart, welcomed guests during cocktails in the museum’s Sidney Poitier Lobby. Guests then danced along to a special beatnik dance performance choreographed by Stephen Galloway as they made their way to dinner on the Dolby Family Terrace, which, this year, took design inspiration from the Hollywood landmark restaurant, Chasen’s. Before ending their evening, guests were treated to a surprise musical performance by Billie Eilish and Finneas, and concluded their night with a visit to the museum’s new exhibition, John Waters: Pope of Trash, the first retrospective dedicated to Waters’s six-decade film career.
Photos by Hunter Abrams, Sinna Nasseri, Academy Museum.
The event and design was conceived by Gala Creative Director Lisa Love, and Artistic Director Raúl Àvila, with talent relations overseen by Special Projects and musical direction by Keith Baptista, choreography by Jen Green and Stephan Galloway, and costume direction by Jacqui Getty in collaboration with STAUD. Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon, the Academy Museum official wine partner, provided wine for the evening.
The Icon, Visionary, and Vantage Awards, fabricated by UAP, are solid cast stainless steel statuettes inspired by historic versions of the OscarⓇ statuette; they are mirror polished by hand and attached to a cast bronze base with an engraved stainless steel nameplate affixed. The Pillar Award, designed by the Haas Brothers and fabricated by UAP, is solid cast bronze, hand polished, hand stamped, and triple plated in nickel, copper, and 24k gold.
Now in its third year, the Academy Museum Gala is an annual fundraiser and celebration that reflects the museum’s mission to advance the understanding, celebration, and preservation of cinema and to expand knowledge and conversation about cinema as a global art form and cultural force.
ABOUT THE ACADEMY MUSEUM
The Academy Museum is the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. The museum advances the understanding, celebration, and preservation of cinema through inclusive and accessible exhibitions, screenings, programs, initiatives, and collections. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, the museum’s LEED Gold certified campus contains the restored and revitalized historic Saban Building—formerly known as the May Company building (1939)—and a soaring spherical addition. Together, these buildings contain 50,000 square feet of exhibition spaces, two state-of-the-art theaters — the David Geffen Theater and Ted Mann Theater — the Shirley Temple Education Studio, and beautiful public spaces that are free and open to the public. These include: The Walt Disney Company Piazza and the Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby, which houses the Spielberg Family Gallery, Academy Museum Store, and Fanny’s restaurant and café. The Academy Museum exhibition galleries and store are open six days a week, from 10am to 6pm and are closed on Tuesdays and Christmas Day.
ABOUT ROLEX AND CINEMA
For many decades, Rolex has maintained close ties with the world of cinema. Its watches have played a role in numerous films, including Oscar®-winning masterpieces. The company promotes excellence, encourages the preservation and transmission of the cinematic arts and celebrates progress by accompanying cinema legends and budding talents: through its Testimonies such as Martin Scorsese and James Cameron, its partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Rolex mentoring programme for talented young filmmakers. Rolex has partnered the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 2017, serving as Proud Sponsor of the Oscars®, h osting the event’s Greenroom, while also supporting the Governors Awards, recognizing lifetime achievement in film. To assist in the preservation of film history for future generations, Rolex became a Founding Supporter of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. The partnership between Rolex and cinema is part of the brand’s Perpetual Arts Initiative, which supports leading cultural institutions and talented artists in a long-term commitment to global culture and to perpetuating artistic heritage.
Hollywood, Calif. – Actor Macaulay Culkin was honored with the 2,765th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, December 1 at 11:30 a.m. PT at 6353 Hollywood Boulevard. Culkin received his star in the category of Motion Pictures. Joining emcee, Steve Nissen as speakers will be actresses Catherine O’Hara and Natasha Lyonne.
Actor Macaulay Culkin was honored with the 2,765th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, December 1 at 11:30 a.m. PT at 6353 Hollywood Boulevard. (Photo/Hollywood Chamber of Commerce)
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame for the City of Los Angeles and has proudly hosted the globally iconic star ceremonies for decades. Millions of people from here and around the world have visited this cultural landmark since 1960.
ABOUT OUR HONOREE
“Macaulay Culkin has been a staple in pop culture for decades,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “He has an extensive trajectory of work but his movie, “Home Alone” is one of the most beloved holiday movies known the world over. How fitting that Catherine O’Hara who played Macaulay’s mother in the film is reuniting with her movie son and will be speaking at the ceremony!” added Martinez.
Macaulay Culkin began his stage career at the age of four and made the first of several small film appearances in Rocket Gibraltar, playing the grandson of Burt Lancaster. It was in the John Hughes film Uncle Buck, in which he played the inquisitive nephew of John Candy that Culkin first began to attract attention.
Culkin then shot to international stardom with his lead role in Hughes’ film Home Alone, in which he played Kevin McCallister, a resourceful child who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. Culkin received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance, and Home Alone II: Lost in New York, was also a worldwide success.
Culkin appeared on stage to critical acclaim in Madame Melville and portrayed the ill-fated Michael Alig in the motion picture cult classic Party Monster. His film credits include Jacobs Ladder, My Girl, The Good Son, Richie Rich and Saved! Culkin filmed the independent Changeland on location in Thailand for director-writer Seth Green. His television credits include roles on Kings, The Jim Gaffigan Show and Robot Chicken. Culkin also founded the new media empire Bunny Ears which included a Podcast website, live events as well as social and merchandising components.
He most recently appeared in American Horror Story: Installment 10 for FX and in The Righteous Gemstones for HBO Max.
Culkin continues to make giving back his priority by supporting charities such as the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Stand Up To Cancer.
ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER’S WALK OF FAME
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a celebration of art, entertainment, and all things Hollywood. Star ceremonies are broadcast worldwide, connecting fans with their favorite artists. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the Walk of Fame on behalf of the City of Los Angeles. Honorees are selected by a committee of their peers. Sponsors fund the star, the ceremony, and the maintenance of the legendary attraction. The Walk of Fame is free to all. To learn more and find your favorite stars, visit walkoffame.com.
ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (HCC)
Since 1921, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (HCC) has transformed businesses and improved lives. With more than 750 members, the Chamber is the largest business organization in Hollywood and serves as a place for our diverse membership to connect, grow, and make an impact. The HCC is the proud steward of two global icons; the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign. Held in the public trust, the HCC strengthens and promotes business through connecting, coaching, advocating, and innovating. To make a difference, connect with us at hollywoodchamber.net.
Pre-Show Festivities To Kick Off at 6:30 P.M. – Episode of ‘Abbott Elementary’ To Follow Live Telecast.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, ABC announced that “The Oscars®” will air live coast to coast on SUNDAY, MARCH 10, in a new earlier timeslot (7:00-10:30 p.m. EDT/4:00-7:30 p.m. PDT). A 30-minute pre-show will lead into the live show (6:30-7:00 p.m. EDT/3:30-4:00 p.m. PDT), and immediately following, ABC will air an original episode of the Emmy® Award-winning comedy series “Abbott Elementary.” The telecast will also be rebroadcast in the Pacific Time zone in primetime after the live presentation.
As previously announced, Emmy Award-winning late-night talk show host and producer Jimmy Kimmel will return to host the live show for the fourth time. Raj Kapoor will serve as showrunner and executive producer, with Molly McNearney and Katy Mullan serving as executive producers. Hamish Hamilton is set to direct the telecast.
The 96th Oscars will be held at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.
ABOUT THE ACADEMY The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is home to a global membership of more than 10,500 of the most accomplished film industry artists and leaders. The Academy recognizes and celebrates all aspects of the arts and sciences of moviemaking through renowned awards for cinematic achievement, including the Oscars®. With the world’s largest film museum and collection, the Academy preserves our cinematic history and presents honest and powerful programs about cinema’s past, present, and future. Across all initiatives, the Academy connects global audiences – its members, the film industry, and film fans – through their shared passion for making and watching films.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Dominic Glynn, Rob Legato, Nancy Richardson, Deborah Scott, Tom Sito and Sharon Smith Holley have accepted invitations to join the Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The Academy’s Science and Technology Council focuses on the science and technology of motion pictures – preserving its history, assessing industry standards, advising on content, and providing forums for the exchange of information and ideas.
Glynn’s work as an imaging and audio specialist for Pixar includes binding yet-to-emerge technologies with the creative process of storytelling. He helped to launch the world’s first cinema release in Dolby ATMOS (“Brave”) and the worldwide premiere of the first DCI Next Generation HDR cinema releases (“Lightyear,” “Elemental”). An Academy member since 2023, Glynn is a part of the Production and Technology Branch.
Legato’s visual effects credits include “Apollo 13,” “The Aviator,” “The Departed,” “Shutter Island,” “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “The Lion King,” as well as “Titanic,” “Hugo” and “The Jungle Book,” for which he won Academy Awards®. Legato received nominations for his work on “Apollo 13” and “The Lion King.” He most recently served as visual effects supervisor and second unit director on “Emancipation.” An Academy member since 1996, he is a part of the Visual Effects Branch.
Richardson’s film editing credits include “Stand and Deliver,” “To Sleep with Anger,” “Selena,” “Thirteen,” “Lords of Dogtown,” “Twilight,” “Fighting with My Family,” “Love and Monsters” and more. She has been a tenured professor at UCLA for nineteen years, having mentored numerous filmmakers. An Academy member since 2005, she currently serves as a Film Editors Branch governor.
Scott’s costume design credits include “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” “Never Cry Wolf,” “Back to the Future,” “Legends of the Fall,” “Heat,” “The Patriot,” “Minority Report,” “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Titanic,” for which she received an Academy Award®. Earlier this year, she was the Costume Design Guild’s Career Achievement Award recipient and was selected as designer-in-residence for the UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television/David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design program. An Academy member since 1994, Scott is a part of the Costume Designers Branch.
Sito’s film animation credits include “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “Shrek” and “Osmosis Jones.” He currently teaches animation at the University of Southern California and is an author of several books. An Academy member since 1990, Sito previously served as a Short Films and Feature Animation Branch governor.
Smith Holley’s visual effects credits include “Aladdin,” “Mouse Hunt,” “Mulan,” “Stuart Little,” “The Expendables,” “Men in Black 3,” “Gemini Man,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Fast X.” She also has been instrumental in preserving the history of motion picture post-production by launching “The Legacy Collection” oral history project in 2007. An Academy member since 2019, she is a part of the Production and Technology Branch as well as an Academy Gold mentor.
The Council co-chairs for 2023-2024 are newly appointed Bill Baggelaar of the Production and Technology Branch and returning Visual Effects Branch governor Paul Debevec.
The Council’s other returning members are Linda Borgeson, Visual Effects Branch governor Brooke Breton, Lois Burwell, Cinematographers Branch governor Paul Cameron, Teri E. Dorman, Theo Gluck, Buzz Hays, Colette Mullenhoff, Ujwal Nirgudkar, Helena Packer, David Pierce, Arjun Ramamurthy, Rachel Rose, David Schnuelle, Jeffrey Taylor, Amy Vincent and Short Films and Feature Animation Branch governor Marlon West.
ABOUT THE ACADEMY The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is home to a global membership of more than 10,500 of the most accomplished film industry artists and leaders. The Academy recognizes and celebrates all aspects of the arts and sciences of moviemaking through renowned awards for cinematic achievement, including the Oscars®. With the world’s largest film museum and collection, the Academy preserves our cinematic history and presents honest and powerful programs about cinema’s past, present, and future. Across all initiatives, the Academy connects global audiences – its members, the film industry, and film fans – through their shared passion for making and watching films.
Santa Clarita, Calif. – Six Flags Magic Mountain, the “Thrill Capital of the World,” lights up the season even brighter this year during its annual holiday extravaganza, Holiday in the Park. With more than two million lights and uniquely themed areas, the park transforms into a spectacularly lit winter wonderland for guests to enjoy this holiday season. The magic of the season takes over at 5:00pm.
Holiday magic lights up Six Flags Magic Mountain. Photos by Margie Anne ClarkHoliday magic lights up Six Flags Magic Mountain. Photos by Margie Anne Clark
Get a Sneak Peak of the Holiday Skate Show – The Nightmare Before Christmas!
Valencia, Calif. – Join the City of Santa Clarita for the 3rd annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center, Powered by FivePoint | Valencia on Friday,December 1, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. The Santa Clarita City Council along with Los Angeles Kings announcer Daryl Evans, will lead the community in a countdown as they flip the switch illuminating the stunning Christmas tree located directly on the ice!
This year, the event will feature holiday performances by local ice skaters who will be showcased in the upcoming Holiday Skate Show titled, “The Nightmare Before Christmas at The Cube.” Directly after the event, attendees are invited to join us for the public skate session from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. where they will have the opportunity to take photos with the Kings Crew and LA Kings mascot Bailey, as well as Santa Clarita’s own beloved mascot, Sammy Clarita. Children will also have the chance to get in the holiday spirit by sledding down a real snow hill right next to the Christmas tree. Sleds will be provided.
Attendees can enjoy hot chocolate and snacks from The Grille or they can visit The Top Shelf for a variety of holiday drinks on the second floor. We also invite the community to join us as we cheer on the UCLA Bruins as they face off against the University of California, Berkeley at 8:15 p.m., on the NHL Rink. Attendees are encouraged to bring teddy bears or other stuffed toys for a teddy bear toss, which will take place after the first UCLA goal. All of the teddy bears tossed onto the ice will be donated to a local non-profit.
Newhall, Calif. – It was a beautiful sight as Old Town Newhall light up amid a bustling of excitement and cheer on Saturday. The brightly colored festive lights showcased Newhall’s storied streets along Old Town’s Western Walk of Stars, shops and restaurants, along with the Theatre District that brings the community of Santa Clarita together for gatherings and entertainment. The lights will keep on shining throughout the holiday months of November and December.
Universal Studios Hollywood Offers Top Holiday Gift-Giving Favoritesfrom SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,”Along With the Must-Have Annual Pass as the Countdown to the Holidays Begins – Holiday Shopping is Enhanced by the Theme Park’s Festive Grinchmas Who-lebrationand “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,”Along with Seasonal Culinary Treats, November 24 – January 1, 2024.
Universal City, California, November 16, 2023 – Looking to share the gift of Universal Studios Hollywood with family and friends this holiday season, then a one-stop shopping spree at the entertainment destination for the perfect gift will help deliver ear-to-ear smiles.
Colorful Seasonal Culinary Treats at Universal Studios Hollywood, November 24 – January 1, 2024.
To help take the guesswork out of what to buy, Universal Studios Hollywood has assembled a checklist of inspirational gifts available from its popular rides, attractions and immersive lands, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™,” “Jurassic World—The Ride” and Illumination’s “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash,” along with a collection of theme park favorites.
For the ideal stocking stuffer, the Universal Studios Hollywood Annual Pass is the quintessential gift to bring cheer throughout the year, inclusive of discounts and exclusive perks. Select the Platinum, Gold or Silver Annual Pass to create magical memories in 2024.
Here’s a checklist of top gifts to consider:
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – Share the holidays with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad and more with these favorites: six different collectible Power-Up Bands; a variety of character plush toys, apparel, hats and headbands; and even a Reversable Super Star and ? Block pillow.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” – Bring home a little magic with spellbinding gifts (select items can be personalized), including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Collector Edition Wand, adult and youth Christmas-themed sweatshirts, interactive snowy owl plush toys, crew neck fleece sweatshirts from each of the four Houses, commemorative holiday ornaments and décor celebrating the season, decorative pins, mugs, scarves, scented candles, themed frames, cozy sleepwear and Honeydukes’ one-of-a-kind sweets.
“Grinchmas™” – For the naughty on the list, whimsical favorites from Universal Pictures’ Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas include spirit jerseys, totes, Grinchy ornaments, green faux-fur keychains and adorned hats, gloves and scarves, colorful tumblers and pajamas.
“Jurassic World—The Ride” – Add a splash of Blue to the holiday season with such dinosaur favorites as a T. Rex Cutie Plush, assorted masks, bubble wand and canteen.
“Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” – Illumination’s mischievous Minions bring seasonal smiles with these must-have favorites: Minion and “Fluffy” the unicorn plush toys, backpacks and Minion goggles.
“The Secret Life of Pet: Off the Leash” – Furry stars Max, Snowball, Duke, Gidget, Buddy, Daisy, Mel, Princess and Pickles from Illumination’s The Secret Life of Pets franchise bring holiday cheer with themed favorites, including plush toys, pajamas and “Adopt A Pup” collection.
“The Simpsons Ride™” and Springfield, USA – D’oh…here are few gift giving ideas from America’s favorite family: Pink donut pillow, character plush toys and apparel.
And finally, here are a few memorable gifts for the all-encompassing Universal Studios Hollywood theme park fan, including Universal retro sweaters, caps and totes, Universal 1912 backpacks, tumblers and keychains, wooden clapboard and Universal Globe figurine.
Throughout Universal Studios Hollywood’s festive holiday celebration, guests can purchase an array of culinary treats and comfort foods, created exclusively by the theme parks Executive Chef Julia Thrash. Here’s a sampling:
“Grinchmas” will serve up such Who-bilation favorites as Who-ville Spiral Croissant, Dumpit to Crumpit Treat, Who-bilicious Cinnamon Roll, 2 Sizes Too Small Cupcake, Heart Grew 3 Sizes Sugar Cookie and the Grinch™ Heart Lemonade.
Comfort foods and themed holiday fare available throughout the theme park: Crispy BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Slow Roasted Turkey Sandwich with Fries, Chili, Butternut Squash Soup and Clam Chowder in Bread Bowl, Turkey Quesadilla, Smoked Brisket Sandwich, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Spiral Croissant, Pumpkin Spice Spiral Croissant, Sleigh Bells Irish Sour, Rudolph’s Red Rita, Hot Apple Toddy, Hot Espresso Martini, Make it Snappy Santa and Mrs. Claus’ Cinnamon Delight.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood, located just outside the theme park, is also stocked for ideal shopping and dining.
The Universal Studios Store offers a selection of items from popular attractions found within the theme park.
VIVO Italian Kitchen offers an assortment of flavorful drinks with the Winter Martini, Apple Cheer Martini and Hot Apple Cider, which is available as a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage.
Guests must be 21 years or older+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.
From Friday, November 24 through Monday, January 1, 2024, Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood features “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” and the spectacular dazzling light projection transformation of HogwartsTM castle through “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” as well as “Grinchmas,” featuring a Who-lebration of fun fit for the Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos. Holiday programs are included in the price of theme park admission.
