The AFI, or the American Film Institute, is back again with its annual lists, and it gives special recognition to 'The Artist' and the entire 'Harry Potter' series.

As voted, the institute announced its official selections for the AFI Awards last Sunday.

It cited ten for movies of the year: 'Bridesmaids', 'The Descendants', 'The Girls with the Dragon Tattoo', 'The Help', 'Hugo', 'J. Edgar', 'Midnight in Paris', 'Moneyball', 'The Tree of Life' and 'War Horse'.

Another ten were mentioned for television programs of the year. It chose 'Breaking Bad', 'Boardwalk Empire', 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', 'Game of Thrones', 'The Good Wife', 'Homeland', 'Justified', 'Louie', 'Modern Family' and 'Parks and Recreation'.

Meanwhile, it has bestowed its special awards to the old Hollywood-inspired feature 'The Artist' and the recently-concluded 'Harry Potter' series.

Selections were done by two juries, one for film and the other for television. Assisting them are producers and AFI board of trustees vice chairs Tom Pollock (for movies) and Richard Frank (for TV).

Others who had their share in decision-making include Whoopi Goldberg, film historian Leonard Maltin, university professors, critics and members of the AFI board of trustees.

The personages behind the film and TV shows mentioned will be awarded at an invitation-only luncheon on January 13, 2011 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.

The AFI Awards is the only prestigious event that honors the country's "creative ensembles" as a whole. Awardees are chosen based on works which advance the art of filmmaking.

Naturally, the selection is purely American, as its vision aims to "enhance the 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," tells AFI president and CEO, Bob Gazzale. "The event brings together the year's top artists in a celebration of community, not competition."

The AFI is just one of the slew of recognitions that occurred this awards season. The 'race' will conclude with the Academy Awards, which The Wrap has noticed acknowledging most of AFI's picks for a 'Best Picture' Oscar.