Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

At the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute, AFI Conservatory Alum and Academy Award® winner Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC (AFI Class of 2009), was presented with the 2026 Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal.

The Schaffner Alumni Medal recognizes the extraordinary creative talents of AFI Alumni who embody the qualities of filmmaker Franklin J. Schaffner. Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for her work on Ryan Coogler’s SINNERS (2025).

Reflecting on her time at the AFI Conservatory, Arkapaw said, “AFI is where I learned how to believe in my gut, to appreciate those people around me who wanted to story tell in new ways. There’s such a beautiful power that comes with finding your community.”►Subscribe to AFI on YouTube: bit.ly/SubscribeAFI

►Follow AFI:
instagram.com/AmericanFilmInstitute
tiktok.com/@americanfilminstitute
facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute
twitter.com/AmericanFilm

►Sign up for AFI Newsletters: afi.com/sign-up/?method=signups

#movies #afi #film #americanfilminstitute