2 weeks Ago By Jorge Ávila Andrade
ollywood's Dolby Theatre is set to light up on April 26, as receives the , with none other than and presenting the honor. The announced the star-studded event on April 22, celebrating Coppola's towering legacy in cinema. Known for masterpieces like , , and , Coppola's work has shaped American film, and this tribute brings together a who's-who of industry giants to salute him.
Lucas, who co-founded American Zoetrope with Coppola in 1969, and , a fellow New Hollywood trailblazer, are fitting choices to hand over the award. " ," said AFI President and CEO , capturing the director's singular impact. The gala will feature A-listers like , plus Coppola's family, Gia and Roman Coppola, adding a personal touch.
Coppola's resume is a cinephile's dream. His six Academy Awards, including the , reflect a career that spans , , , , and . His latest, , a self-funded $120 million epic, premiered to a 10-minute ovation at Cannes in 2024, proving he's still pushing boundaries at 86.
" ," said , AFI Board of Trustees Chair, praising his influence on filmmakers and stars like Pacino, De Niro, and Ford, whom he mentored through Zoetrope. Coppola gets 50th AFI Award from Lucas and Spielberg The AFI Life Achievement Award, established in 1973, honors those whose work advances film art and endures over time. Coppola's three films on AFI's " " list cement his eligibility.
Past recipients include , and and themselves, making this a poetic moment for the trio who redefined modern cinema. The event, sponsored by Canva, will air as a TNT special, , with an encore on TCM, dates to be announced. Despite a Razzie nod for , Coppola's defiance-" ," he posted on Instagram-mirrors his lifelong rebellion against convention.
From launching Zoetrope to nurturing talents like and , his impact is undeniable. With Lucas and Spielberg by his side, this gala promises to be a heartfelt nod to a visionary who's still dreaming big..
