It was the best job I ever, never got.
And it meant I was available forThe Godfather Part II.
Francis, you changed my career, you changed my life.
Al Pacino, Robert De Niro at the AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute held at The Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, CaliforniaMichael Buckner/Deadline
Were all here tonight because of you.
I got the closest.
And Francis just fought for us all the time.
He fought for his film and his vision, which he always does.
Yet, it could have gotten him fired.
Everything was a firing threat.
It could have had all of us fired, but it didnt.
Now, years later, here we all are to celebrate him for it.
So, thank you Francis.
Thank for believing in me even more than I believed in myself.
I am eternally grateful in kind to be part of yourGodfatherfamily.
The Life Achievement Award isAFIs highest esteem for a career in film.
