Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg, celebrated for crafting some of the most iconic silver screen treasures, recently hailed another director’s work as his personal pinnacle of cinema. At a recent award ceremony, the legendary director revealed his top movie pick – a choice that might raise eyebrows among cinephiles.
While presenting the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award with fellow luminary George Lucas to Francis Ford Coppola on April 26, Spielberg made a stunning declaration about his preferred cinematic masterpiece. During the accolade presentation, Spielberg expressed his admiration: “The Godfather, for me, is the greatest American film ever made… Many artists can and do take a bow for their work on a page, on a canvas, or on a screen, but our applause for you, Francis, is from a different kind of audience.”
Crowned by Spielberg, The Godfather, crafted in 1972, is not only a personal favourite of the director but also occupies a prestigious position as a trailblazer in film history, shaping the blueprint of the gangster genre.
Featuring a constellation of 70s stars including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, and Richard Castellano, The Godfather swiftly dominated box offices during its release year and for a spell reigned supreme as the most financially successful film.
The gripping plot unfolds around New York mafia overlord Don Vito Corleone and his veteran son Michael who initially shuns the family’s illicit affairs.
Vito’s traditional values are at odds with the modern approach of his son, which sets off a violent mob war against the mafia families of New York. This conflict between the mobs gave rise to one of cinema’s most iconic lines, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
Spielberg continued to laud Coppola, saying: “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.”
The director also described his long-time friend and industry peer as “fearless.”
He stated: “On one hand, you are a warrior for independent artists; you always champion their causes, but also, and always, you’re fearless in how open you are to ideas, opinions, and inspiration.”
Coppola’s filmography includes The Godfather trilogy, which expanded the story into two more films, as well as Apocalypse Now and Dracula. He also directed Virgin Suicides, Lost in Translation, and the Robin Williams film Jack.
In his acceptance speech, Coppola reflected on his career, acknowledging the individuals who contributed to his success. He expressed: “Now I understand here, this place that created me, my home, isn’t really a place at all, but you, friends, colleagues, teachers, playmates, family, neighbors…
“All the beautiful faces are welcoming me back, because I am and will always be nothing more than one of you.”