Director Steven Spielberg is considered one of the best in his profession, with films like “Jaws,” “Jurassic Park,” “Schindler's List,” and “Saving Private Ryan” behind him, three Oscars, and a 50-year career in Hollywood, so it's no wonder his opinion is highly valued. And Spielberg singles out “The Godfather” as the best American film of all time.
On Saturday evening, Spielberg and his colleague and longtime friend George Lucas had the opportunity to honor another top director - Francis Ford Coppola, and they gave speeches at the 50th AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Before presenting him with the award, Spielberg and Lucas shared their moments with Coppola.
Spielberg recalled meeting his esteemed colleague in 1967 when they were both in their 20s and shared dreams of making films.
"On one hand, you're a warrior for independent artists, always fighting for their issues. But on the other hand, you're fearlessly open to new ideas, opinions and inspiration," Spielberg said, then shared an anecdote about watching five hours of footage for the film "Apocalypse Now" with his friends.
"When the movie ended, you asked us to tell you what we saw, what we felt. You invited us all in, one by one. We told you where we got lost and where we found ourselves. And I learned that opening yourself up and searching is actually your superpower," Spliberg recounted.
Although he liked that film very much, he reserved his greatest praise for Coppola's famous gangster drama.
"'The Godfather' is, to me, the greatest American film ever made. Many artists get my nod for their work on paper, canvas, screen, but my applause goes to you, Francis. He's from a different kind of audience. When we were young, we wanted to make our parents proud, then our friends, then our colleagues, and finally our competition, but you are without competition," part of Spielberg's speech.
"You took everything that came before and redefined American film. In doing so, you inspired generations of artists who want to make you proud, I want you to be proud of my work," the director concluded.
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