Francis Ford Coppola to Receive AFI Life Achievement Award from George Lucas and Steven Spielberg
George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg VICTOR BOYKO/GETTY IMAGES; MICHAEL LOCCISANO/GETTY IMAGES; ALBERTO E. RODRIGUEZ/GETTY IMAGES
Hollywood legends reunite to honor one of cinema’s greatest architects at the 50th AFI Life Achievement tribute.
Francis Ford Coppola, one of the most influential filmmakers in cinema history, will be honored with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award this Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The celebration is set to be nothing short of legendary, as longtime friends and fellow visionaries George Lucas and Steven Spielberg will present the award in person.
The American Film Institute’s prestigious tribute will bring together a dazzling array of Coppola’s collaborators, supporters, and family members. Among the confirmed guests and presenters are Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Diane Lane, Dustin Hoffman, Ron Howard, Spike Lee, Gia Coppola, and Roman Coppola. The event promises to be a landmark moment in honoring the legacy of a director who has profoundly shaped modern cinema.
“There is only one Francis Ford Coppola,” said AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale in a statement. “And it is AFI’s honor to gather the art and entertainment communities, along with his family, friends and colleagues, to celebrate cinema — all of it and the very best of it.”
A Filmmaking Titan
Coppola’s legendary career spans decades and includes some of the most revered titles in film history — from The Godfather trilogy to Apocalypse Now and The Conversation. Known for his audacious style, deep storytelling, and risk-taking spirit, he redefined what cinematic storytelling could be, blending artistic vision with powerful human themes.
His influence goes far beyond his own filmography. As the co-founder of American Zoetrope with George Lucas, Coppola helped launch a generation of filmmaking talent, supporting early work from directors and actors alike. His collaborations with icons such as De Niro, Ford, and Pacino have yielded performances that have stood the test of time.
Coppola’s latest film, Megalopolis, is a Roman epic set in modern times with an all-star cast including Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, and Aubrey Plaza. This year, the film made its world premiere to a 10-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival and was released theatrically and in IMAX globally last fall.
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Legacy in Motion
The AFI Life Achievement Award, considered one of the highest honors in American film, is presented to individuals whose career has profoundly impacted the medium. Coppola joins a distinguished list of recipients, including Julie Andrews, Denzel Washington, Diane Keaton, George Clooney, and Nicole Kidman.
This tribute arrives just weeks after the premiere of Coppola’s latest and most polarizing work, Megalopolis, which stirred up critical debate at its debut. But regardless of its reception, the film serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to creative ambition.
Following the ceremony, TNT will air the televised special The 50th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Francis Ford Coppola, with a follow-up encore broadcast on Turner Classic Movies (TCM).
Whether you know him as the architect of The Godfather, the mastermind behind Apocalypse Now, or the mentor behind some of cinema’s greatest talents, Francis Ford Coppola’s place in film history is undeniable — and this weekend, Hollywood will rise in standing ovation.
