AFI names the year’s best in film and TV

The raucous comedy “Knocked Up,” the animated family film “Ratatouille,” the final season of “The Sopranos” and the freshman comedy-fantasy series “Pushing Daisies” were named Sunday by the American Film Institute as among the best works in film and television for 2007.

The AFI calls its annual awards an almanac that records the year’s outstanding achievements in film and television. The AFI Awards are the only recognition that honors the creative ensembles both in front of and behind the cameras of movies and programs that, according to the AFI, “best advanced the art of the moving image; enhanced the rich culture of America’s art form; inspired audiences and artists alike; and/or made a mark on American society.”

The selections are made by a 13-member jury process in which scholars, industry professionals, critics and AFI trustees come up with Top 10 lists and the reasons behind the selections. The two juries -- one for film and one for television -- met for two days of discussion and deliberations at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel before announcing their selections Sunday.

Besides “Knocked Up” and “Ratatouille,” the AFI’s selections for the 10 outstanding films of 2007 are “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead,” “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,” “Into the Wild,” “Juno,” “Michael Clayton,” “No Country for Old Men,” “The Savages” and “There Will Be Blood.”

Joining “The Sopranos” and “Pushing Daisies” on the television side are “Dexter,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Longford,” “Mad Men,” “Tell Me You Love Me,” “30 Rock” and “Ugly Betty.”

The winners will be honored at a luncheon on Jan. 11.

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susan.king@latimes.com