Coppola Celebrated as a Legend; The Godfather Named Greatest Film

On April 26 in Los Angeles, legendary directors Steven Spielberg and George Lucas gathered to celebrate their longtime friend and mentor, Francis Ford Coppola, who received the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award — the American Film Institute’s highest honour. During the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre, Spielberg praised Coppola’s fearless creativity and hailed The Godfather as "the greatest American film ever made."

Lucas called Coppola his hero, reflecting on the invaluable lessons he learned from him early in his career. Stars like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Dustin Hoffman also paid heartfelt tributes, crediting Coppola for shaping their careers and believing in them.

Visibly moved by the overwhelming support, Coppola reflected on the moment in his acceptance speech, saying, “Now I understand here, this place that created me, my home, isn’t really a place at all, but you, friends, colleagues, teachers, playmates, family, neighbors, all the beautiful faces are welcoming me back, because I am and will always be nothing more than one of you.”

Known for masterpieces like The Godfather trilogy, Apocalypse Now, and The Conversation, Coppola was celebrated by a star-studded gathering of actors, directors, and industry peers.