Steven Spielberg Declares ‘The Godfather’ the Greatest American Film of All Time at Francis Ford Coppola’s AFI Tribute

Hollywood celebrated a true giant on Saturday night as Francis Ford Coppola received the coveted AFI Life Achievement Award. This esteemed honor, presented by the American Film Institute, recognizes outstanding contributions to cinema.

Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, two legends in their own right, had the privilege of presenting the award to Coppola. Spielberg called him “fearless” and reflected on their long friendship, which began in 1967. He recounted an impressive moment while watching an early version of “Apocalypse Now.” The film was five hours long, and Coppola encouraged fellow filmmakers to share their honest feedback. Spielberg admired this openness, highlighting it as Coppola’s unique strength.

In Spielberg’s eyes, “The Godfather” stands as the greatest American film ever made. He shared how Coppola’s work has inspired countless filmmakers, including himself, saying, “You have redefined the canon of American film.”

Lucas, who first met Coppola in 1968 when he shadowed him on set, called him his hero. He fondly recalled how Coppola encouraged him to take creative risks, saying, “Don’t be afraid of jumping off cliffs.”

As Coppola received the award, he reflected on his journey and the memories that shaped him. He reminisced about playing in empty lots and the faces from his past, expressing deep gratitude for the people in his life. “You, friends and family, are what truly define home,” he said.

The night was filled with tributes from stars like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Morgan Freeman, each sharing personal stories of how Coppola impacted their lives. “You changed my life,” De Niro expressed, while Pacino thanked Coppola for believing in him.

Coppola is celebrated for masterpieces including “The Godfather” series, “Apocalypse Now,” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.” His work has left an indelible mark on cinema, shaping the way stories are told onscreen.

Earlier in the evening, the late David Lynch received the Franklin J. Schaffner alumni medal posthumously. In a video message, Lynch praised the AFI for nurturing emerging filmmakers and helping them find their unique voices.

The event took place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues. A televised special of the gala will air on TNT and later on TCM.

The AFI Life Achievement Award has a rich history, first given in 1973. Past recipients include legends like Orson Welles and Meryl Streep. Last year, the honor went to Nicole Kidman. Celebrating Coppola not only commemorates his achievements but also highlights the lasting influence he has on new generations of filmmakers.

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