Ep 1. AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mike Nichols

The American Film Institute Salute to... season 38 episode 1 is titled "AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mike Nichols." This episode pays homage to the late filmmaker and director Mike Nichols and commemorates his exceptional contributions to the world of cinema.

Through interviews with colleagues, friends, and fellow filmmakers, the episode delves into Nichols' remarkable career and life. It covers his early beginnings as a performer in New York, his time in the industry as a director and producer, and his legacy as a respected and influential figure in Hollywood.

The episode also features retrospective footage of Nichols' most well-known films, including The Graduate, Silkwood, and Angels in America, providing viewers with a glimpse into his visionary approach to storytelling and his mastery of the cinematic medium.

Moreover, the show showcases Nichols' unique sensibility and honesty as a director, as well as his ability to cast actors and push them to deliver their best performance. It highlights how his work transcended genres, with Nichols often switching between comedy and drama, and his ability to capture the human condition in a visceral and authentic way.

Throughout the episode, there are touching moments of admiration shared by some of the film industry's biggest names, including Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Steven Spielberg, who all pay tribute to Nichols' enduring legacy and his impact on the industry.

Overall, "AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mike Nichols" is an engaging and heartfelt episode that celebrates the life and career of one of Hollywood's most talented filmmakers. It offers viewers a comprehensive look at Nichols' life, his approach to filmmaking, and his contributions to the industry, showcasing why he was such an important figure in contemporary American cinema.