Known as one of the greatest filmmakers in history for his filmography, including “The Godfather” films, “Apocalypse Now,” “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” “The Outsiders,” and many more, American director Francis Ford Coppola recently received the honor of the AFI Life Achievement Award.
The AFI Life Achievement Award is considered one of the highest honors a filmmaker could receive. Presented by the American Film Institute, its purpose is to celebrate a key figure who has changed the film industry positively. With esteemed filmmaker John Ford receiving the first AFI award in 1973, film icons such as Alfred Hitchcock, Barbara Streisand, Robert DeNiro, Meryl Streep, and many others have also been honored with the award. Despite his over 60 year long career, Coppola had not received this honor yet, and fans waited impatiently for his time.
After dedicating nearly his whole life to directing movies adored by film lovers all around the world, Coppola’s win was a very heartfelt and special moment.
“[The award] is a personal recognition of the people that you’ve known all your life and your colleagues of many years, so it’s like a homecoming, in a way,” Coppola said, reflecting on his lifelong career to the Associated Press.
Coppola was also praised for his talents by many actors and directors who were greatly inspired by his work.
“He dares to do something different and unique, and that’s why it stands the test of time- because it’s unlike anyone else and he’s not afraid to do that, so his boldness is really inspiring,” actress Elle Fanning from Coppola’s film “Twixt,” said to the American Film Institute during the red carpet tribute.
Famous directors George Lucas, best known for the “Star Wars” franchise, and Steven Spielberg, praised for his diverse filmography, also came together to present the award to him. The three directors’ friendships date back to the 70’s, when they were a part of a group known as the “Movie Brats,” who were recognized for their potential as young filmmakers. In 1969, Coppola and Lucas founded American Zoetrope together, a film production company that is still running to this day. To honor their longtime history and friendship, Lucas and Spielberg came together to shed light on all of Coppola’s achievements.
“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,” Spielberg said, congratulating Coppola in USA Today.
Coppola’s victory was a long awaited win for him and the rest of the film community. Fans, icons, actors, and actresses everywhere joined together to celebrate his lifelong career and appreciate the influence he had on American film culture. After creating his legacy as one of the greatest film directors of all time, Coppola left an inspiring message for future generations.
“My attitude in living your life as an artist is to always try for what’s even more than what you can do- beyond what you can do,” Coppola said to the Associated Press, “because if you fail to do it, you would have failed it if you didn’t try. Sometimes you’re lucky, and you make it, and then those things are very precious.”
