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header logoAMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE

AFI Life Achievement Award

The highest honor in American cinema

AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Francis Ford Coppola

Join us on Saturday, April 26th, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Francis Ford Coppola. A Founding Trustee of AFI and the legendary Godfather of American Film, Coppola’s unparalleled influence on cinema will make this milestone celebration a momentous occasion.

A writer, director, and producer, Coppola’s vision of revolutionizing movie creation and experience has inspired countless filmmakers worldwide. An icon, legend, and master of his craft, Coppola continues to inspire the entire AFI Community to create, educate, and celebrate the power of cinema.

Proceeds from the gala support the American Film Institute’s nonprofit education and arts initiatives.

Gala/Dinner Table Options

Please email general Life Achievement Award questions to [email protected].
For more information contact AFI Membership at 800.774.4234.

Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Deadline to purchase table or tickets is April 11, 2025.

Other ways to take part in this milestone event

  • Donate Today
  • I am unable to attend but would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award Scholarship Fund.
  • DONATE
  • Join Premiere Circle
    $2,500
  • Join the AFI Premiere Circle to get two complimentary tickets to Mezzanine One.
  • LEARN MORE

Contact Peter Indall, Director of National Advancement at [email protected]

Additional Information

Mail/Wire Transfer Information

Mail checks to LAA 2025, American Film Institute, 2021 North Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

Wire Transfer: Bank of America, 730 15th Street, N.W. 2nd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20005; Account name: American Film Institute Operating Account; Account No: 2086097524; Transit/ABA No: 054001204 (for ACH domestic transfers); Via Wire: 026009593

Attire

Black tie preferred.

The event will be taped for broadcast.

Parking

For Mezzanine One and Mezzanine Two Tickets, parking is available in the underground parking garage at the Ovation Hollywood Center for $20 per vehicle. Please note, this lot becomes full, and you may need to find alternative parking. Traffic surrounding the Ovation Hollywood Center will be heavy at the time of arrivals, so please allow plenty of time to arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

Arrival, Check-In and Tickets

Event tickets will only be available at Check-in the night of the event. Please present a copy of your confirmation letter and a government-issued photo ID to pick up your ticket(s). ALL guests will be assigned a seat, no open seating is allowed.

  • Check-in opens at 6:00 p.m. on Level 3 of the Ovation Hollywood Center.
  • Each guest will receive an event ticket with a seat location (Section, Row, Seat Number).
  • All guests must be seated in Mezzanine One by 6:45 p.m. for the honoree entrance. Please note unclaimed tickets will be released at 7:00 p.m. SHARP!
  • Tickets are non-transferable.

Fair Market Value

Gala fair market value is $350 per ticket. The American Film Institute is a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)3 organization. Social services information card on file. AFI Federal Tax ID: 52-6072925. Purchases are non-refundable.

If you have any questions, please contact AFI Advancement at 800.774.4234 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT) or at [email protected].

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THE HISTORY OF THE AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The AFI Life Achievement Award — the highest honor for a career in film — was established by the AFI Board of Trustees on February 23, 1973 to celebrate an individual whose career in motion pictures or television has greatly contributed to the enrichment of American culture.

The award is given to a “recipient whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film art; whose accomplishment has been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers and the general public; and whose work has stood the test of time.”

In 1993, the AFI Board of Trustees extended the criteria to encompass individuals with active careers and work of significance yet to be accomplished.