In his opening remarks Thursday night AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale said even though his fest takes place in the heart of Hollywood, it wasn’t about who’s wearing what, or how much money a movie makes or who might get nominated for awards, it’s all about the films and the work. That’s what the AFI Fest is dedicated to highlighting in the next week.
That’s certainly true, but there was a strategic reason the American Film Institute moved their film festival from spring to November several years ago, landing it smack into the heart of awards season — and it wasn’t quite all about purity.
Like everyone else, AFI Fest wants to be a part of the Oscar season dialogue.
No “Doubt” about it.
From Pete Hammond’s just-up column regarding last night’s opening “Doubt” Gala at the ArcLight. Personally, I thought Gazzale’s comment reeked of self-aggrandizement, but Pete is too nice to say anything like that.
By the way, Happy Halloween.