Renowned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola will be honored with the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award. The ceremony, set for April 26, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, will mark the 50th anniversary of this esteemed award.

At 86, Coppola’s contributions to cinema are undeniable. The event will air on TNT and TCM, with proceeds benefiting AFI’s educational and arts initiatives.

“Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist, one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit,” said Kathleen Kennedy, chair of the AFI board of trustees.  

This recognition comes on the heels of Coppola’s latest film, Megalopolis. His illustrious career includes iconic films like The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, and Apocalypse Now. More than just his directorial prowess, the filmmaker has mentored countless filmmakers, including his children Roman and Sofia Coppola and granddaughter Gia Coppola.

With six Academy Awards and a filmography that includes American Graffiti, Patton, The Conversation, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Coppola joins a prestigious list of AFI Life Achievement Award recipients, such as Steven Spielberg, Denzel Washington, and Nicole Kidman.