Steven Spielberg Reveals the Ultimate American Masterpiece

Steven Spielberg has identified the top movie ever produced in the US, and surprisingly, it isn’t Jaws , ET , Schindler's List, Raiders of the Lost Ark , or any of his other acclaimed movies. During an evening filled with stars at a glitzy American Film Institute event on Saturday in Los Angeles celebrating director Francis Ford Coppola, Spielberg referred to 1972’s The Godfather "the finest American movie of all time," as stated by Hollywood Reporter . "You have taken what came before and redefined the canon of American film, and in so doing, you've inspired a generation of storytellers who want to make you proud of their work, proud of our work," Spielberg said while presenting Coppola with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award, per Variety . "I always want to make you proud of my work."

THR noted that Coppola “buried his face in his hands” as Spielberg added his compliments. Praise continued pouring in, with George Lucas stepping forward to honor him as well. "You’re our hero, Francis,” Lucas expressed. "Thanks for inspiring a generation of filmmakers who adored cinema.” The Independent noted that Spielberg, Coppola, and Lucas formed something of a powerful triumvirate after meeting at a film festival screening of one of Lucas’ movies in the late 1960s. In the subsequent decade, Spielberg proceeded to release Jaws , Coppola The Godfather And its initial follow-up film, and Lucas himself. Star Wars .

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Robert De Niro and Al Pacino also spoke in Coppola's honor, as did Harrison Ford and Lucas . As for Coppola, when it was his turn at the podium at the Dolby Theatre, he simply said, per THR I remain and will forever be just one among you. ScreenRant It isn't the first time that Spielberg has spoken highly of The Godfather : In the DVD restoration of the film, the director said he was "pulverized" upon seeing the movie for the first time and that it was so good he wanted to quit filmmaking. "There was no reason to continue directing because I would never achieve that level of confidence in the ability to tell a story such as the one I had just experienced," he noted. "So, in a way, it shattered my confidence."

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The article initially appeared on News in A Days: Steven Spielberg Identifies 'The Best American Movie of All Time'