American Film Institute Names the 10 Best Films and TV Shows of 2023

AFI Names the Best Films and TV Shows of 2023

American Film Institute has revealed their yearly list of the 10 best films and television shows of 2023.

There were some surprises this year in regards to the films named by the American Film Institute as the best of 2023. Although it seemed as if Ben Affleck’s crowd-pleaser, Air, would have made the list, it did not, in fact, crack the top 10. As a result of this snub, it seems Air‘s chances at Oscar glory are decreasing by the minute. Just yesterday, the sports drama was snubbed by the National Board of Review as one of the year’s best movies. The same thing just happened with the twice-snubbed remake of The Color Purple as well. But, enough about what didn’t make the list, let’s focus on what did.

Barbie was named as one of the year’s best which was most likely expected given the film’s spectacular performance at the box-office and warm reception by movie critics. American Fiction picked up some much needed steam in the awards race with its inclusion in AFI’s 10 best list. A24’s film critics’ darling, Past Lives, continued its winning streak with year-end awards recognition with its mention on the 10 best movies list. It came as a surprise that May December made the cut given its very delicate subject matter. Apparently, the American Film Institute wasn’t afraid of touchy, controversial themes as evidenced by the addition of the provocative picture, Poor Things to the list as well.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse joined the prestigious list which certainly helps its chances at possibly securing the Best Animated Feature Oscar in 2024. Paul Giamatti is one step closer to an Oscar nod for his work in The Holdovers thanks to the fact that his movie made the AFI’s final list. Ditto Bradley Cooper whose brilliant biopic, Maestro, most certainly joined their group of great pictures of 2023.

AFI’s two biggest inclusions in the top 10 are now officially the front runners for the Best Picture Oscar: Oppenheimer and Killers of the Flower Moon. The directors of those movies, Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese, will be vying for Oscar’s affections next year as Best Director and only one can emerge victorious. Who will get the trophy? Nolan’s chances look a bit better than Scorsese’s right now but as more critics lists and award nominations come out, a clearer picture will be drawn of just who, exactly, will take home the gold.

The top 10 television shows of the year as named by American Film Institute were: The Morning Show, The Last of Us, Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, Succession, Reservation Dogs, Only Murders in the Building and Poker Face.

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