The American Film Institute is giving Francis Ford Coppola an offer he can’t refuse: its 50th Life Achievement Award. The six-time Academy Award winner, whose work has left an indelible mark on cinema, will be honored in a televised special airing Wednesday, June 18, at 10:00 PM ET on TNT.
Filmed at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the gala tribute will celebrate a career that has consistently pushed boundaries. From the iconic imagery of The Godfather trilogy to the fever-dream intensity of Apocalypse Now and his latest, Megalopolis, Coppola has long been one of Hollywood’s foremost visionaries. His influence extends beyond directing to writing and producing, shaping American cinema for decades.
The AFI Life Achievement Award recognizes an artist’s contribution to American culture through film and television. Coppola joins a prestigious group of past recipients, and this year’s event is set to feature a lineup of special guests and industry figures paying their respects. The broadcast will include clips from his extensive filmography, giving a comprehensive look at the work of a director who has been described as a dreamer, maverick, and pioneer. For film enthusiasts, this is a can’t-miss celebration of a true cinematic giant.
The 50th AFI Life Achievement Award airs Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 10:00 PM ET on TNT.
