LOS ANGELES: The American Film Institute celebrated the year’s best movies and TV shows by providing their stars and creators a chance to schmooze over lunch.
Ryan Gosling chatted to Fox Studios chief Jim Gianopulos; “Straight Outta Compton” director F. Gary Gray snapped a selfie with Steven Spielberg; and “The Force Awakens” director J.J. Abrams held court at a table inside the Four Seasons Hotel ballroom Friday at the annual AFI Awards.
“This is a campaign-free zone,” AFI president Bob Gazzale joked as the glad-handing and deal-making in the room quieted to a hush. “You don’t have to thank anybody. We are here to thank you.”
AFI trustees ran down the organization’s list of 2015 television and film honorees, showing clips and giving glowing words about each. The 10 winning movies and 11 TV shows — including a special award for “Mad Men” — were announced last month.
Celebs start their awards-season schmoozing at AFI Awards



