Legendary Director Francis Ford Coppola Receives AFI's Top Honour Of Life Achievement Award
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The American Film Institute honored Francis Ford Coppola with its 50th Life Achievement Award. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas presented the award at the Dolby Theatre.
The American Film Institute (AFI) honored the extraordinary legacy of Francis Ford Coppola with its 50th Life Achievement Award. Held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the evening brought together Hollywood's finest to celebrate a filmmaker who helped define American cinema.
Francis Ford Coppola, widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers in history, was met with resounding applause as he accepted the prestigious honor. A five-time Academy Award winner, Coppola's legendary career spans iconic films such as The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, The Conversation, Apocalypse Now, and Bram Stoker's Dracula, each of which has left an indelible mark on cinema.
Filmmakers Steven Spielberg and George Lucas had the honour of presenting Coppola with the award.
According to Variety, Spielberg described Coppola as 'a warrior for independent artists," hailing The Godfather as 'the greatest American film ever made." Meanwhile, George Lucas, who regards Coppola as his hero, fondly recalled their enduring friendship and shared Coppola's timeless advice to 'not be afraid of jumping off cliffs," as quoted by Variety.
Coppola's illustrious filmography boasts timeless masterpieces such as The Godfather sequels, The Conversation, Apocalypse Now, and Bram Stoker's Dracula. The ceremony was filled with heartfelt tributes from legendary actors like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and others, who shared how Coppola profoundly impacted their lives and careers.
In his acceptance speech, Coppola took a moment to reflect on cherished memories with friends and family, expressing heartfelt gratitude and forgiveness. With humility, he concluded, saying, 'I am and will always be nothing more than one of you."
Francis' most recent project, Megalopolis, marked a personal milestone as he self-financed the film with a budget of approximately $120 million. The star-studded cast featured Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, Shia LaBeouf, Aubrey Plaza, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, and Jason Schwartzman. Despite the film's impressive lineup, it sadly underperformed at the box office.
First Published:
April 28, 2025, 07:41 IST
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