Classic Texas films are also honored, with a member of the cast or crew accepting on behalf of their colleagues.
The 2007 gala commemorated her death by celebrating her life and her passion for film, emceed by New York columnist and 2001 inductee Liz Smith.
Other galas have been emceed by Turk Pipkin, Evan Smith, Dan Rather, Thomas Haden Church, Wyatt Cenac, Anjelah Johnson, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Luke Wilson, Mike Judge and Louis Black.
In 2016 Variety Executive Editor Steven Gaydos and the Austin Film Society’s Founder and Artistic Director Richard Linklater presented a tribute to mark the AFS's 30th anniversary.
The Warren Skaaren Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented on three occasions: Mike Simpson (2001),[4] Jack Valenti (2002) and Michael Nesmith (2010).