Virtual Gallery To Feature Osborne’s TCM Introductions Along With Content From The AFI Catalog 

The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg And TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz To Host a Conversation About Osborne’s Cultural Impact, Available on THR Presents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Los Angeles, CA, April 30, 2021 – The American Film Institute (AFI) announced the launch of The Osborne Collection, a celebration on AFI.com of the life and work of one of America’s foremost film historians, Robert Osborne (1932-2017). The Collection will debut on May 3, Osborne’s birthday. A true time capsule of American film history, the online collection will feature a variety of Osborne’s famous film introductions, including ones for THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, BRINGING UP BABY, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, FROM HERE TO ETERNITY, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, NATIONAL VELVET, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, NORTH BY NORTHWEST, PSYCHO, A STAR IS BORN (1954), THE THIN MAN and TOP HAT. To further enrich the viewing experience, the Collection will be connected to the AFI Catalog of Feature Films, the most comprehensive chronicle of the first century of American cinema which was used as a reference for Osborne’s introductions.

In honor of the launch and in celebration of Osborne’s birthday, a conversation between TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz and The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg exploring his work and legacy will premiere May 3 at 2:00 p.m. PDT on THR Presents. Watch here: https://thrpresents.hollywoodreporter.com/.

“Bob’s passion for classic film was contagious, and he generously shared that passion with the world. His pioneering tenure as TCM’s host best illustrated his encyclopedic knowledge of film history and made his name synonymous with thoughtful film introductions,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “With this new Collection, AFI celebrates his impact on the world of film scholarship – and ensures that Osborne’s spirit endures at AFI.”

Featured on the new microsite are Osborne’s introductions for seven films that will be screened as part of this year’s TCM Classic Film Festival launching later this week. Titles include Hitchcock classic NORTH BY NORTHWEST, A STAR IS BORN (1954) and multiple Oscar^® winner ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST. The festival features more than 100 films and over 30 special guests in a new virtual experience May 6-9 on the TCM channel and HBO Max.

Osborne’s connection to AFI began in 1977 when Olivia de Havilland invited him to escort her to the AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony for Bette Davis, which left an indelible mark on the young journalist. Soon after, Osborne officially joined the staff of The Hollywood Reporter to become a daily columnist from 1982-2009 with the “Rambling Reporter” series, as well as a reviewer for movies and Broadway plays. When Turner Classic Movies (TCM) made its cable television debut in 1994, Osborne was the channel’s premier primetime host and he remained the face of TCM until his retirement in 2016. Osborne’s extensive historical research and numerous books about the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Oscar® awards resulted in his eminent status as the official biographer of the Oscars® and his role as the official red carpet greeter at the awards ceremonies.

Starting on May 3, The Osborne Collection can be viewed at AFI.com/Robert-Osborne.

About the American Film Institute (AFI)

Established in 1967, the American Film Institute is a member-supported nonprofit organization that champions the moving image as an art form through educating and inspiring artists and audiences and promoting initiatives that empower storytellers. AFI’s pioneering programs include filmmaker training at the AFI Conservatory; year-round exhibition at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and at AFI Festivals across the nation; workshops aimed at increasing diversity in the storytelling community; honoring today’s masters through the AFI Life Achievement Award and AFI AWARDS; and scholarly efforts such as the AFI Catalog of Feature Films that uphold film history for future generations. Read about all of these programs and more at AFI.com and follow us on social media at  Facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute, YouTube.com/AFI, Twitter.com/AmericanFilm and Instagram.com/AmericanFilmInstitute.

About TCM

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world highlighting the entire spectrum of film history. TCM features the insights from Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz along with hosts Alicia Malone, Dave Karger, Jacqueline Stewart and Eddie Muller, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests and serves as the ultimate movie lover destination. Currently in its 27th year as a leading authority in classic film, TCM offers critically acclaimed series like The Essentials, along with annual programming events like 31 Days of Oscar® in February and Summer Under the Stars in August. TCM also directly connects with movie fans through events as the annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, the TCM Big Screen Classics series in partnership with Fathom Events, as well as through the TCM Classic Film Tour in New York City and Los Angeles. In addition, TCM produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs, and hosts a wealth of material online at tcm.com and through the Watch TCM mobile app.

About The Hollywood Reporter

At a time of transformative change, The Hollywood Reporter provides unparalleled access to and intelligence about the business of the entertainment industry, as well as the people and the culture behind it. THR is an urgent and timely blend of rigorous breaking news, analysis, investigative reporting, insightful features, as well as lively design and elegant, creative photography across multiple platforms,  a high-octane 24/7 website, a luxurious weekly print magazine, video series, podcasts, exclusive events and robust social media accounts. THR sets the entertainment agenda, elevating and broadening the style and substance of the Hollywood conversation.