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Steven Spielberg Calls “The Godfather” the Greatest American Film of All Time. |
Legendary director Steven Spielberg—best known for hits like Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones—has officially named The Godfather as the greatest American movie ever made. He shared this heartfelt opinion while honoring fellow filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola at the American Film Institute (AFI) Awards.
The special event was held on April 26 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Spielberg wasn’t alone in celebrating Coppola’s legacy—his longtime friend and fellow director George Lucas also joined in presenting the award. All three iconic filmmakers kicked off their careers in the 1970s and have remained close ever since.
During his tribute, Spielberg praised Coppola not just as a director, but as a creative force who stood up for independent voices and embraced fresh ideas.
“You’ve always been a champion of artistic freedom and inspiration,” Spielberg said. “For me, The Godfather is the greatest American film of all time. We applaud you not only as a filmmaker, but as someone who transformed the very soul of American cinema.”
He went on to reflect on how people often seek approval at different stages of life—first from parents, then friends, and eventually peers. “But you, sir, are beyond comparison,” Spielberg continued. “You redefined American film and inspired a whole generation of storytellers—including me. I’ve always wanted to make you proud of my work.”
Coppola also received warm messages from The Godfather stars Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. De Niro kept it short and powerful, saying, “You changed my life.”
Despite being a film legend, Coppola recently faced criticism after the release of his latest movie, a sci-fi drama titled Megalopolis. The film, which Coppola funded entirely on his own, didn’t quite hit the mark with audiences or critics.
Back in February, he responded to receiving a Golden Raspberry Award (Razzie) for Worst Director with this bold statement: “I chose a path that goes against the cowardly rules of an industry afraid to take risks.”
This moment wasn’t just about awards—it was a celebration of Coppola’s lasting impact on Hollywood. With The Godfather still standing strong as a cinematic masterpiece, Spielberg’s tribute serves as a reminder of how one film—and one filmmaker—can shape the future of storytelling in America.
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