Well, it wasnt because the AFI didnt ask.
I am told AFI had tried on many occasions to get him to agree.
At last he did, and boy,what a night.
Francis Ford Coppola at the AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute held at The Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, CaliforniaMichael Buckner/Deadline
But the day didnt start out well.
But there was so much more before we got to that point.
He may have lost millions but tonight, f the bankers!'
(L-R) George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg attend the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Francis Ford CoppolaLester Cohen/Getty Images for AFI
Sofia couldnt be at the Dolby however since she is shooting her own new film in London.
The interesting thing is howfewsent tapes.
We hate the way it looks.
You dont want the picture?
Okay, I will buy it back from you right now.
I will buy it back from youtoday.
Well never mind he didnt have the money, itworked.
So thats a producer and thats Francis Ford Coppola.
he said of the role that won him his first Oscar.
After that film, I built something for Francis because he hired me again as acarpenter.
Well you know the rest…
He created a world where the carpenter could be theguy.
And by the way, thank you forApocalypse Now, where I played a guy named Colonel Lucas.
HintonsThe Outsidersin hopes that he might make a movie out of it.
It was one of the undisputed highlights of the night.
That movie wasRumble Fish.
He also said it took a while for Coppola to hire him.
I waited until I was 86 for you to cast me inMegalopolis!
It was worth the wait.
Driver said at one point Coppola addressed the cast and crew and said, Were not being brave enough.
Knowing Francis as I know him now, beingbraveis not such a surprising note if you consider the source.
Dont be afraid of jumping off cliffs.
Stay goldindeed, Francis Ford Coppola.
