Phil Lord & Chris Miller Named Guest Artistic Directors for AFI Fest 2026
Phil Lord and Chris Miller have been appointed guest artistic directors for the 40th American Film Institute Festival, where they will curate a lineup of inspirational films and host a special Q&A. Their selection reflects the influences behind their recent success, Project Hail Mary, and the festi…
By Felo News Desk · Published
For the 40th edition of the American Film Institute’s flagship festival, the 2026 AFI Fest, the organizers have chosen a pair of filmmakers whose work has defined the past decade: Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The duo, best known for their collaborative projects such as Spider‑Verse, The Lego Movie and the recent blockbuster Project Hail Mary, will serve as guest artistic directors for the event, curating a selection of films that shaped their latest hit and hosting a special Q&A session.
Who Are Phil Lord and Chris Miller?
Phil Lord and Chris Miller first met in college and have since become one of Hollywood’s most prolific creative partnerships. Their work spans animation, live‑action comedy and science‑fiction, and they have earned acclaim for blending humor with heartfelt storytelling. In 2023, their Amazon MGM Studios release Project Hail Mary grossed more than $684 million worldwide, cementing their status as major players in the industry.
What Does the Role of Guest Artistic Director Entail?
As guest artistic directors, Lord and Miller will select a slate of films that inspired the creation of Project Hail Mary and that they feel resonate with contemporary audiences. Their chosen titles include the cult classic Harold and Maude, the family‑friendly The Muppet Movie and the French crime thriller Rififi. These selections highlight the duo’s wide range of influences, from dark comedy to nostalgic family fare.
In addition to curating the program, the pair will host a special event titled “An Evening with Lord and Miller.” The event will feature a screening of Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey followed by a Q&A session. The discussion will give festivalgoers insight into how classic cinema informs modern filmmaking.
How Does This Fit Into AFI Fest’s Legacy?
The American Film Institute has a long history of inviting celebrated filmmakers to shape its annual festival. Past guest artistic directors include Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Guillermo del Toro, Ava DuVernay, Greta Gerwig, David Lynch and Agnès Varda. By adding Lord and Miller to this roster, AFI continues its tradition of showcasing diverse voices that push the boundaries of cinema.
AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “Project Hail Mary answered the prayers of movie lovers this year, and it is AFI’s honor to welcome two of the most inventive, entertaining and impactful storytellers in the world to AFI Fest 2026 as our guest artistic directors.”
What’s on the Calendar for AFI Fest 2026?
The 40th festival will run from October 21 to October 25 at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatres. The opening night will feature the U.S. premiere of Travis Knight’s animated feature Wildwood. Other highlights include Netflix’s The Mosquito Bowl directed by Peter Berg, starring Nicholas Galitzine, Bill Skarsgård, Ray Nicholson and Berg himself, as well as Sian Heder’s drama Being Heumann. The full lineup will be announced on September 29, and tickets are already on sale.
Lord and Miller’s involvement is expected to attract a wide audience, from die‑hard fans of their previous work to newcomers eager to see how classic films influence modern storytelling. The festival’s programming promises a blend of nostalgia and innovation, reflecting the spirit of the 40th anniversary.
What’s Next for Lord and Miller?
Beyond the festival, the duo continues to work on a variety of projects. Their filmography includes the Spider‑Verse series, the Lego Movie franchise, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, the 21‑Jump Street reboot, Cocaine Bear, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, The Afterparty and the animated series Clone High. Their role as guest artistic directors is a testament to their enduring influence in the film industry.
As AFI Fest 2026 approaches, fans and industry insiders alike anticipate the unique perspective Lord and Miller will bring to the event, promising a celebration of cinema that honors its past while looking forward to its future.
Key facts
- Phil Lord and Chris Miller named guest artistic directors for AFI Fest 2026
- They will curate a slate of films that influenced their hit Project Hail Mary
- Event includes a screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey followed by a Q&A
- AFI Fest 2026 runs Oct. 21‑25 at TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood
- Opening night features the U.S. premiere of Wildwood
- Ticket sales already underway with full lineup announced Sept. 29
Why it matters
The appointment of Lord and Miller underscores AFI Fest’s commitment to celebrating diverse filmmaking voices and highlights how contemporary creators draw inspiration from classic cinema.
Frequently asked questions
What films did Lord and Miller choose for the festival lineup?
They selected Harold and Maude, The Muppet Movie and Rififi as key inspirations for Project Hail Mary.
When will the full festival lineup be released?
The complete program will be unveiled on September 29, 2026.
Where is AFI Fest 2026 being held?
The festival takes place at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatres from October 21 to October 25.
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com — originally reported as “Phil Lord and Chris Miller Tapped as Guest Artistic Directors for AFI Fest 2026”
