AFI announces awards slate

The American Film Institute announced its official selections for the 2011 AFI Awards, which records the year's most outstanding achievements in film, television and other forms of the moving image arts. The film and TV series will receive awards at an invitation-only luncheon on Jan. 13 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.Among this year's film honorees are "Bridesmaids," which has received a lot of attention for supporting actress Melissa McCarthy; "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," which had its fair share of controversy over embargoes last week; and two films that have been Oscar frontrunners for months, "The Help" and "Midnight in Paris."AFI also gave "The Artist" and the "Harry Potter" franchise special awards, recognition that is given to films that don't meet AFI's criteria, most notably that a production must be primarily American- generated.On the TV side, AFI's tastes range from the rich historical drama "Boardwalk Empire," to the cutting edge comedy "Louie." Showtime's freshman series "Homeland," which has been a big ratings draw for the network, is also on AFI's list.Honorees are selected based on works which best advance the art of the moving image; enhance the rich cultural heritage of America's art form; inspire audiences and artists alike; and/or make a mark on American society."AFI Awards represents the proudest of moments in the Institute's calendar of events," said Bob Gazzale, AFI President & CEO. "The event brings together the year's top artists in a celebration of community, not competition."The complete list of honorees follows:AFI Movies of the Year"Bridesmaids""The Descendants""The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo""The Help""Hugo""J. Edgar""Midnight in Paris""Moneyball""The Tree of Life""War Horse"AFI Special Awards"The Artist"The Harry Potter SeriesAFI TV Programs of the Year"Breaking Bad""Boardwalk Empire""Curb Your Enthusiasm""Game of Thrones""The Good Wife""Homeland""Justified""Louie""Modern Family""Parks and Recreation" Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com