Overview

• The American Film Institute presented its 50th Life Achievement Award to Francis Ford Coppola at a gala held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
• Steven Spielberg and George Lucas praised Coppola’s fearless creativity, with Spielberg calling 'The Godfather' the greatest American film ever made.
• Actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro credited Coppola with changing their lives and careers, reflecting on his unwavering belief in their talent.
• In his acceptance speech, Coppola shared heartfelt memories of his roots and declared, 'I am and will always be nothing more than one of you.'
• The ceremony will be broadcast as a televised special on TNT, with an encore airing on TCM, celebrating Coppola’s six decades of cinematic innovation.