Francis Ford Coppola, the recipient of multiple Oscars, was presented with a lifetime achievement award on Saturday at a glittering ceremony honoring his “fearless” attitude to filmmaking.
The 86-year-old director of classic films like “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” was honored with a trophy from fellow filmmaking kings Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, who commended him for challenging the system and redefining American cinema.
Lucas, the director of “Star Wars,” recalls Coppola telling him to “don’t be afraid of jumping off cliffs,” while Spielberg applauded the “fearless” director and called “The Godfather” the “great American film ever made.”
You “have redefined the canon of American film” and, as a result, inspired a new generation of storytellers, Spielberg said.
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The prestigious American Film Institute, which produces annual lists of the best movies ever made and is considered to be one of the most reputable organizations in the field, presented the award.
Coppola said that winning the award felt like returning home when he took the podium at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre in front of Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman in front of industry veterans.
Coppola said, “Now I understand that this place, which created me, my home, isn’t really a place at all, but you, friends, colleagues, teachers, playmates, family, neighbors, and all the beautiful faces are welcoming me back.”
The AFI praised the six-time Academy Award winner as a “dreamer,” “pioneer,” and “maverick.”
Coppola, who famously threw five of his Oscars out the window in an outburst while making “Apocalypse Now,” heard heartfelt thanks from actors like De Niro, Al Pacino, Diane Lane, Harrison Ford, and Ralph Macchio, who thanked the director for taking a chance on them.
“Rain Man” star Hoffman remarked, “When the studio wanted stars, you fought for actors.”
He joked that Coppola started the careers of so many young actors, but Hoffman only made the cut for the veteran in the 86-year-old sci-fi drama “Megalopolis.”
In addition to Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, Jack Nicholson, and Al Pacino, the independent AFI has honored other filmmakers.
In the second installment of “The Godfather,” Pacino and De Niro reminisce about Coppola, who directed them.
Coppola, who worked with studio executives to create the movie in his own style, told AFP that adventure is not art without adventure.
Making babies without sex is like creating art without risk, in my opinion. It’s possible, he said, but it’s not the best course of action.
Source: Channels TV
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