Steven Spielberg is widely recognized for his expertise in identifying exceptional films.
As the renowned director of iconic movies such as Jurassic Park, E.T., Schindler’s List, and Saving Private Ryan, Spielberg has amassed over 30 awards in his extensive career, including three prestigious Academy Awards.
However, the spotlight recently shone on another legendary director, Francis Ford Coppola, who received the AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest accolade granted by the American Film Institute.
Spielberg, along with George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, presented the award to Coppola. According to Variety, Coppola’s recognition marks the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award given.
The ceremony was held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Praising Coppola, Spielberg expressed: “On one hand, you are a warrior for independent artists, you always champion their causes, but also, and always, you’re fearless in how open you are to ideas, opinions and inspiration.”
Spielberg then lauded Coppola’s 1972 masterpiece, The Godfather, declaring it ‘the greatest American film ever made’.
“The Godfather for me, is the greatest American film ever made,” said the Jaws director. “Many artists can and do take a bow from their work on a page, on a canvas, on a screen, but our applause for you Francis, is from a different kind of audience.”
Continuing his tribute, Spielberg remarked: “When we’re young, it’s our parents we want to make proud, and then it’s our friends, and then it’s our colleagues, and finally, it’s our peers, but you, sir, are peerless.
“You have taken what came before and redefined the canon of American film, and in so doing, you’ve inspired a generation of storytellers who want to make you proud of their work, proud of our work, and I always want to make you proud of my work.”
Members of The Godfather’s illustrious cast also joined the stage to commend Coppola, with Robert De Niro acknowledging the director’s impact on his life.
Al Pacino noted: “Francis just fought for us long time. He fought for his film and his vision, which he always does.” He further expressed gratitude to Coppola for ‘believing in me even more than I believed in myself’.
Other notable Hollywood figures, including Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, and Dustin Hoffman, also shared tributes to the celebrated director.
Coppola appeared ‘visibly moved’ by the heartfelt tributes from his peers.