We are used to seeing celebrities like George Lucas, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg gathering together at events. But this time, they celebrated legendary director Francis Ford Coppola at the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.
At this ceremony, Steven Spielberg (known for movies like Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Schindler’s List) gave his opinion on which is the best American movie of all time for him. Do you want to know his choice? We have the answer. So, let’s find more about the ceremony and what Spielberg had to say.
Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola
During the ceremony, Spielberg told how he met Coppola in 1967, when was asked to watch an early cut of Apocalypse Now and give his thoughts. He also said that The Godfather is more than an extraordinary movie, it redefined American cinema and inspired an entire generation of filmmaker. The director said:
“You have taken what came before and redefined the canon of American film, and in doing so, 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.”
Coppola’s reaction was to cover his face with his hands because he was very moved by Steven Spielberg’s words. This shows the deep admiration between both directors and how Coppola’s influence has impacted the entire industry.
Other movies considered the greatest
Even though Steven Spielberg said The Godfather was the best movie ever, other rankings show different choices:
- The American Film Institute places it at #3 on its list of 100 Greatest American Films, behind Citizen Kane.
- Sight & Sound ranks it #12 on its list of the greatest films of all time, with Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles at #1.
As you can see, although there are different opinions, The Godfather is considered a classic of American cinema and it’s respected by filmmakers and critics.
Big stars paying tribute to Coppola
At the ceremony, many Hollywood stars honored Coppola, such as:
- George Lucas, co-founder of American Zoetrope with Coppola, called him a hero and thanked him for inspiring a generation of filmmakers.
- Robert De Niro, Oscar winner for playing young Vito Corleone in The Godfather II, said Coppola changed his career and life.
- Al Pacino, who played Michael Corleone, also praised Coppola’s impact on his career.
- Harrison Ford, who starred in Coppola’s The Conversation and Apocalypse Now, spoke about the director’s importance to movie history.
Coppola replied emotionally, saying that being at the event felt like returning to his “old neighborhood,” but that his true home isn’t a place—it is the people around him: friends, colleagues, teachers, family, and neighbors.
How to watch the tribute
The event, “The AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Francis Ford Coppola”, aire on TNT on June 18, 2025. But, if you are a fan or just curious about how Spielberg and other stars pay tribute to one of the most important filmmakers in history, you have the chance to watch some clips of the highlight moments online.
So…
Seeing legends like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Harrison Ford come together to honor Francis Ford Coppola is a reminder that creativity and dedication leave a lasting mark—not just on the film industry, but on everyone who experiences their work. How great is it to see people supporting each other?
Now we know which is the best American movie of all time for Steven Spielberg. Do you agree with him? If you don’t, which one would you say it’s the best one?