As we’ve previously reported, the Harry Potter series has been awarded a special award from the AFI, honouring the series as a whole. Given that Harry Potter is a British production, it was not eligible for the main awards given out by the organisation, which only recognises American-generated productions.

Chris Columbus, director of Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, was an apt recipient at the awards gala. Even though he only directed two of the films, Chris must be given much credit for determining many long-running aspects of the series as a whole, notably the casting of the actors, young and old. The photos below come via Snitchseeker and show the director holding the certificate along with fellow winners.