Phil Lord and Chris Miller to Lead AFI Fest 2026

The acclaimed filmmakers will serve as guest artistic directors for the 40th anniversary of the Hollywood festival.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Science Fiction

Graphic illustration of a cinema archway, film strip, and projector lens, in gold, indigo, and ochre, representing a film festival. — The American Film Institute has appointed acclaimed filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller as guest artistic directors for the 40th anniversary of AFI Fest in 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The American Film Institute has named Phil Lord and Chris Miller as guest artistic directors for the 40th AFI Fest, which will take place in Hollywood from October 21-25, 2026. The pair will curate a selection of classic films and participate in special screenings at the TCL Chinese Theatres.

Why it matters

AFI selected the duo to lead the landmark event due to their celebrated work as storytellers, including the hit film Project Hail Mary. Their involvement highlights the festival's commitment to honoring influential voices in contemporary cinema.

The filmmaking team behind Project Hail Mary generated over $684 million in worldwide box office revenue. This year marks the 40th installment of the AFI Fest, which will be held at the historic TCL Chinese Theatres.

The players

Phil Lord

He is an accomplished filmmaker and storyteller known for directing and producing high-grossing major motion pictures.

Chris Miller

He is a renowned director and creative collaborator who works alongside Phil Lord on prominent cinematic projects.

American Film Institute

This national organization is dedicated to preserving the history of motion pictures and educating the next generation of filmmakers.

The details

Lord and Miller have curated a specific film selection for the festival that includes Harold and Maude, The Muppet Movie, and the classic heist film Rififi. The festival will open with the U.S. premiere of the film Wildwood, and the directors will host a Q&A session after a screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

The full festival lineup will be unveiled on September 29, 2026.
AFI Fest 2026 takes place in Hollywood from October 21-25, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The 40th anniversary of the AFI Fest marks a milestone for the Los Angeles cultural calendar that extends the long-standing tradition of Hollywood film celebrations. By bringing in high-profile directors like Lord and Miller, the festival reinforces its role as a key venue for studio-backed auteur cinema.

Attendees can now purchase festival passes to secure entry to the screenings and Q&A sessions at the TCL Chinese Theatres. Access to the full roster of events will be clarified once the complete program is unveiled in late September.

The takeaway

The appointment of Lord and Miller reflects the growing trend of involving major directors in festival curation to boost engagement. Readers interested in the festival should keep an eye on the official schedule release in late September to plan their attendance.