BEVERLY HILLS, CA. – In a ballroom full of stars like Viola Davis, Ben Stiller and Sigourney Weaver, the American Film Institute Awards honored on Friday Lisa Marie Presley.
AFI President Bob Gazzale began the ceremony with a minute’s silence for Presley, who died a day earlier following a medical emergency. Invitation-Only Lunch Honoring Elvis Presley Biopic “Elvis” among its 10 film award winners. Lisa Marie Presley, her father’s only child, supported the film throughout awards season and attended Tuesday’s Golden Globe Awards, where star Austin Butler took home a trophy for his portrayal of her father.
Some in the ballroom sat in silence while others bowed their heads in Beverly Hills, California.
The event, which also honors 10 television shows, usually has a light, fun tone. Gazzale greeted a table of representatives from the “Elvis” film, including director Baz Luhrmann.
“Because this event is community based and not competitive – never competitive – I asked that we offer a quiet moment of reflection to reflect on losses,” Gazzale said. “Not for others, but for all of us. All who create from inspiration. In this stillness they will feel that we are there for them. And you will feel that we are there for you.”
Attendees included Steven Spielberg, Patricia Arquette, Daniel Kaluuya, Seth Rogen and Miles Teller.
Recognized films included Avatar: The Way of Water, Elvis, Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Fabelmans, Nope, She Said, Tar, Top Gun: Maverick , “The Woman King” and “Women Talking”.
Recognition was given to the television shows Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Better Call Saul, Hacks, Mo, Pachinko, Reservation Dogs, Severance, Somebody Somewhere, and The White Lotus “. .”
The Banshees of Inisherin received a separate special award during the event – honoring each film and TV show with well-spoken words about the acclaimed project, followed by a short clip of a scene.
Laughter and hugs were shared before the event between “Severance” stars Adam Scott and Arquette, who later snapped photos with fellow cast members including the show’s director Ben Stiller. Nope director Jordan Peele spoke to Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO. Weaver posed for photos with her “Avatar” co-star Stephen Lang, the film’s director James Cameron, and Disney CEO Bob Iger.
A pregnant Keke Palmer beamed when she saw Kaluuya, her “Nope” co-star, before the two hugged and chatted for a few minutes.
Al Pacino received a standing ovation after ending lunch with a 10-minute blessing to celebrate the honoree’s accomplishments.
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This story has been updated to correct the spellings of “Teller” in the 6th count and “Keke” in the 11th count.
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