Was there any reason why John Wayne was not recognized by the A.F.I.
I am aware that A.B.C. did a special for him,but it lacked the prestige of a formal night in his honour..Was it because of his politics??
This has always intrigued me as he was present at a few for other actors.Maybe it was because he had not retired.Or maybe it was something more than that....

I think Duke didnt live long enough to be honoured. Fist award was to John Ford in 1973 and other recipients are attached in link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFI_Life_Achievement_Award#History_of_the_award

Mike

Possible, DukePilgrim. Also, Patrick55 might be on to something. It's really hard to say.

I've heard people in the industry say dastardly things about JW when he was alive and working, and then just in the last 10 years or so, praise him and his films to high heaven, so go figure!!

When I saw him at the James Cagney tribute I wondered why it was not him up there getting the award.He was a much bigger star then Mr. Cagney.Mind you James Cagney deserved it also.

Hi Patrick

I think the AFI Lifetime achievement awards were considered that. In other words you weren't expected to be around for much longer. JW wasn't really considered in that position until his health would have prevented him accepting such an award.

It's noticable that all the recipients since 1991 are still alive so the criteria seems to have changed.