This report details a significant leadership change at the American Film Institute (AFI), with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos stepping into the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. The article highlights Sarandos's extensive impact on the entertainment industry and acknowledges his predecessor, Bob Daly, for his long-standing commitment. This transition signals a new era for AFI, with a leader known for innovation in content and a deep passion for film and television.
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos Unanimously Elected Chairman of American Film Institute Board
On October 22, 2026, in a pivotal move for the American Film Institute (AFI), Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos was unanimously elected as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors. This significant appointment sees Sarandos taking over from the esteemed Bob Daly, who dedicated 17 years to the role. Daly, a revered figure in the industry, expressed his confidence in Sarandos, hailing him as one of the most dynamic executives and a passionate advocate for cinema, well-suited to guide AFI into a prosperous future. Sarandos, in turn, conveyed his profound honor in continuing the legacy of an organization dedicated to celebrating the art of film and television, acknowledging the immense shoes left to fill by Daly, whom he described as a lifelong supporter and inspirational leader.
Sarandos's influence on Hollywood in the 21st century is widely recognized. He has been instrumental in shaping Netflix's content strategy since 2000, spearheading the company's foray into original programming in 2013 with groundbreaking series like House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black. His leadership also saw Netflix's rise in the film industry with critically acclaimed productions such as Roma, The Irishman, and The Power of the Dog. As co-CEO since July 2020, Sarandos has navigated both periods of remarkable growth and occasional challenges. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in 2013, receiving the Producers Guild of America's Milestone Award in 2019, and his induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2026. Beyond AFI, Sarandos actively participates as a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute and serves on the boards of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Exploring the Arts, and Spotify. The AFI Board of Directors, serving as an executive committee to the broader AFI Board of Trustees chaired by Kathleen Kennedy, is composed of distinguished leaders from the film and television sectors, collectively defining the Institute's objectives and guiding its national educational initiatives. The roster of board members includes an impressive array of industry luminaries such as Pamela Abdy, Cris Abrego, Halle Berry, James L. Brooks, Ava DuVernay, Patty Jenkins, Michael B. Jordan, Donna Langley, Eva Longoria, Christopher Nolan, Shonda Rhimes, Steven Spielberg, and many others, underscoring the collective expertise driving AFI's mission.
The election of Ted Sarandos as AFI's new chairman reflects a dynamic shift in the landscape of cinematic arts leadership. His visionary approach, honed through years at the helm of Netflix's content strategy, promises to inject fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into the institute's mission. This transition underscores the evolving nature of the entertainment industry, where streaming services now play a central role in shaping cultural narratives and artistic expression. Sarandos's appointment not only recognizes his unparalleled contributions but also signals AFI's commitment to embracing the future of storytelling while honoring its rich heritage.
