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For any NCIS fan, saying goodbye to Leroy Gibbs was not easy. After years of watching Mark Harmon lead the team with his signature stare and quite intensity, it was hard to imagine anyone else stepping into his shoes. So, when Gary Cole joined the show as Alden Parker, there was a mix of curiosity and let’s be honest – some hesitation.

But something about Parker’s entrance felt different, and over time, fans could see why he was the perfect replacement for Gibbs. So, what exactly made his arrival work? And why was he never meant to be a Gibbs 2.0? Let’s take a closer look.

Why was Alden Parker never meant to be another Leroy Gibbs in NCIS?

For longtime NCIS fans, the departure of Mark Harmon‘s Leroy Jethro Gibbs was quite heartbreaking. But when Gary Cole stepped in as Alden Parker, many were left worried as...

Tarak Ben Ammar, the legendary producer and distributor, said his life may have turned out very differently if a Variety reporter named Hank Werba hadn’t written about his efforts to convince filmmakers to make their movies in Tunisia.

It was that decades-old article, in which Ben Ammar pitched the North African nation as “peaceful” and “inexpensive” place to make films, that caught the attention of George Lucas, who decided to shoot parts of “Star Wars” in the country.

“[Variety] believed in this young man that was selling nonsense and dreams,” Ben Ammar said, while accepting the International Achievement in Film Award at Variety‘s annual Welcome to Cannes Party, hosted in partnership with the Gotham Film & Media Institute.

Entertainment industry movers and shakers gathered at the Majestic Hotel, Salon Croisette to celebrate Ben Ammar’s many achievements and kick off the festival in style. Guests included Sony Pictures Classics...

Coming off the success of Halloween, in 1985 Jamie Lee Curtis joined forces with John Travolta for a movie that almost derailed the latter’s career. While the general public felt Travolta was severely miscast in Perfect, the consensus surrounding Curtis’ Jessie was the polar opposite.

While her stint in horror and slashers’ outings earned her the title of scream queen, the Travolta-led Perfect turned her career trajectory for the better. But amidst onscreen highs, the movie also pushed her to a decision that she continues to regret.

Perfect‘s cinematographer left Jamie Lee Curtis embarrassed on set Trading Places | Credit: Paramount Pictures

In addition to being an ally to the LGBTQ2A+ community and staunch supporter of issues, including children, animals, and the environment, Jamie Lee Curtis has also been an outspoken advocate for natural beauty. Having undergone plastic surgery in the past, the Oscar winner has expressed regret over...

Robert De Niro Honored At Cannes 2025 ( Photo Credit – Amazon Prime Video)

Robert De Niro has long established his status as one of Hollywood’s most legendary actors. He began his acting career in the early 1960s and has spent nearly six decades in the industry. He has been part of some of the most acclaimed films, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. More recently, he also received the prestigious Honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

To celebrate legendary actor Robert De Niro and his decades of unforgettable performances, we’ve curated a list of his top-rated films that you can stream right now. This list includes only those titles where De Niro played a significant role and are currently available on Indian Ott platforms. We’ve ranked them based on their Rotten Tomatoes critics’ scores — so get ready to binge on some cinematic brilliance

10. The King of Comedy...

In the early ’70s, something shifted. Audiences were tired of squeaky-clean heroes and neat endings. They wanted grit, truth, and a little chaos. So, the cops on screen got messier, tougher, angrier, and more real. But while most were busy bending the law to get justice, one dared to challenge the whole system from the inside.

Frank Serpico, a different kind of cop for a different kind of story. Just an officer willing to risk everything to call out the corruption around him. He wasn’t out for glory, he was out for the truth.

Taking on the challenge on screen was Al Pacino, still early in his rise but already chasing roles that meant something. Fresh off the success of The Godfather, he could’ve played it safe, but instead, he dove headfirst into the life of a man who stood alone. So what pulled him into Frank Serpico’s world?...

Whether or not you have strong Italian roots, Netflix's Nonnas is for you. Most people can identify with comfort food when it's needed. With Nonnas, which was released on your favorite streamer on May 9, the comfort comes from taste and preparation.

The story was written by Liz Maccie and directed by her husband, Stephen Chbosky. The movie is a drama, but ultimately a heartwarming one. It's about family and friends and finding those people all over again.

As far as the cast, you will recognize most of the actors. In fact, you probably have seen much of their work. These are the people you need to know.

Cast of Nonnas is as delicious as the foodLorraine Bracco as Roberta

Bracco actually lives in Sicily part of the year, so she was perfectly cast for the role of Roberta, an outspoken nonna who has issues dealing with her Bolognese counterparts.

Francis Ford Coppola is a brand name when it comes to Hollywood and the film industry in general. Despite some recent flops, he is a giant who has brought us timeless classics such as The Godfather trilogy, The Conversation, and Apocalypse Now.

In recent years, though, he has been struggling, and his most recent outing, the political satire Megalopolis, flopped in a major way. And while Coppola is adamant about defending his movie, Megalopolis is really below the great director’s capabilities.

But, as you know, Coppola is not giving up and is planning to make two more movies. At the same time, he is giving interviews, and in a recent one, he criticized Trump’s planned movie tariffs.

Related: Coppola Confirms His Next Movie, ‘Glimpses of the Moon,’ Is in Pre-Production

As you probably know, President Donald Trump has been in a state of tariff frenzy in recent weeks and months,...

During a press event in Seoul promoting Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise declined to respond to a question concerning former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariff policy on films produced abroad. The question referred to the film’s international shooting locations and whether the production might be subject to such tariffs.

“I’d like to ask this question to anybody who’s up for it,” the reporter began, according to a translated exchange at the event. “I saw that it was filmed in many different locations around the world, including Africa. We all are aware of the tariffs that President Trump has been imposing on overseas productions and films. So, is this particular movie under that tariff? And how much of the film was shot overseas?”

Cruise responded off-mic to the moderator: “We’d rather answer questions about the movie. Thank you.” The moderator acknowledged the direction and moved the conversation forward.

Matt Damon is one of the most sought-after stars currently working in Hollywood. The actor was last seen in The Instigators and will be leading Christopher Nolan’s ensemble in The Odyssey. He got his breakthrough with Good Will Hunting, for which he co-wrote the screenplay with Ben Affleck and won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Damon was also nominated for Best Actor, along with Robin Williams, who won the Award for Best Supporting Actor. However, in the same year, Damon starred in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Rainmaker, which has since its release been considered an underrated masterpiece. The legal drama was based on a novel by popular legal thriller writer John Grisham.

Matt Damon gave two memorable performances in the same year, one of which was Good Will Hunting Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting | Credits: Miramax Films

Matt Damon is best known for his role as...

It’s crazy to think that The Godfather almost didn’t have Al Pacino in it, mostly because Pacino himself couldn’t wrap his head around why Francis Ford Coppola even wanted him. The guy who went on to own the very role of Michael Corleone was seriously confused about being cast in one of cinema’s most iconic films.

At the time, he was just a stage actor with barely any screen time under his belt. But Coppola saw something no one else did. And that one gamble changed Pacino’s life and gave us one of the coolest slow-burn transformations in movie history.

Al Pacino still wonders why Coppola bet on him for The Godfather Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II | Credits: Paramount Pictures

Al Pacino still can’t quite believe it. Reflecting on the The Godfather casting that changed cinema history during an interview with The Talks,...

Imagine a world where Han Solo had a little thick voice, and he carried a gun similar to a gangster with a leaned-in posture. Doesn’t look right, right? However, that would have been the character of Han Solo had Al Pacino not refused the script for Star Wars!

The actor, who talked about his regrets (which he prefers to call ‘mistakes’), talked about turning down the role of Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise, having life lessons learnt the hard way, and more in an interview.

Al Pacino regrets turning down the script for Star Wars!

Visionary director George Lucas directed and released Star Wars: Episode IV -A New Hope in 1977. The film featured Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford as the main leads and went on to earn millions at the global box office.

Harrison Ford portrayed the role of Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise | Credits: Lucasfilm

However,...

The ingredients are simple, the cooking process unhurried and the history rich. The Italian dishes honored in director Stephen Chbosky’s sentimental dramedy “Nonnas” don’t come from professionally trained chefs, but from women of Italian heritage whose flavors have been perfected over generations. Each forkful packs a tasty homage to where they come from and to the people who loved them. And some of the film’s components are indeed authentic: Liz Maccie’s screenplay provides a fictionalized take on how Jody Scaravella opened Enoteca Maria, a real-life Italian restaurant where grandmothers cook.

Mta worker Joe (Vince Vaughn) has just lost his mother. The opening sequence shows him as a child observing as his mother and “nonna” (or grandmother) cook a feast for friends and family. Those halcyon days appear soaked in an ethereal lighting to convey nostalgia. In the present, when everyone has left the funeral, it’s...

As a producer, Madhu Mantena has an impeccable track record of creative and commercial success. Subhash K Jha lists his five picks for the best of the best Madhu Mantena.

1.Ghajini (2008):

The first 100-crore success of Indian cinema. Ghajini, directed by A R Murugadoss, is not for the squeamish. The violence is prolonged, sadistic, and often done with the elaborate abundance and eye-catching elan of a staged opera (Ravi Chandran’s camerawork glistens and bristles with optimum optical glory). And yet women in the audience seemed to love the film. Ghajini is at heart a love story of a cocooned tycoon who discovers love in a working-class environment. Aamir Khan’s expressions of bewilderment, curiosity, pleasure, and acceptance in Asin’s company remind you of a baby that’s just discovered mother-love.

2. Rakht Charitra (2010):

Marking the Hindi debut of Tamil superstar Suriya, this is another violent but stunning study of human avarice.

Today, Tom Cruise can do whatever he wants in his movies, and no one can tell him he can’t have the ending he wants. But when he was new in the business, he had to yield and agree to studios and producers who wanted different narratives.

Cruise continues to be on top of his game even after decades of making movies in Hollywood. He certainly has that charm that attracts people of all ages. We may know him from his work on the Mission: Impossible franchise, but he rose to fame after starring in 1983’s Risky Business.

Tom Cruise reveals original ending of Risky Business

One of the biggest A-listers in Tinseltown, Tom Cruise, came from humble beginnings before rising to the top. His first minor role was in the 1981 romantic drama Endless Love, but it was his performance in 1983’s romantic comedy Risky Business that propelled him to stardom.

Returning for a 5th collaboration with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee’s upcoming movie Highest 2 Lowest, after almost two decades since Inside Man, is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. The movie is a modern-day version of High and Low from 1963 by Akira Kurosawa. It is set in current-day New York City and takes a deep dive into the moral ambiguities in the music industry.

Washington will be seen in the role of a famous music mogul who finds himself entangled in a life and death situation when he’s targeted for ransom. Viewers await this modern twist on a classic tale with bated breath, and you can expect nothing short of fireworks when the film makes its debut in Cannes on May 19th, 2025.

Stellar star-studded cast of Highest 2 Lowest

The film boasts a stellar cast that includes Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, Ice Spice, and Jeffery Wright.

Shia Labeouf is set to star in the crime thriller ‘God of the Rodeo’.The ‘Transformers’ star, 38, has signed on to lead director Rosalind Ross’ upcoming movie, which will be based on the reports of Daniel Bergner from inside the deadliest prison in the American South.Set in the harsh confines of Louisiana’s Angola Prison in 1967, ‘God of the Rodeo’ follows Buckkey, a hardened inmate who discovers a faint hope of redemption through an unexpected chance - the prison’s first inmate rodeo. As Buckkey and his fellow prisoners train for what may be their final shot at dignity, they come to realise the rodeo is no heroic contest, but a brutal spectacle.Designed to entertain the public and feed the warden’s messianic ambitions, it becomes a punishing battle for survival masked as sport.As well as directing ‘God of the Rodeo’, Ross is set to write the movie’s script.

‘Thunderbolts*’ writer Eric Pearson doesn’t think Scarlett Johansson will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).The 40-year-old actress had starred in the franchise from 2010’s ‘Iron Man 2’ until ‘Black Widow’ in 2021 as the Avenger Natasha Romanoff, though Pearson doesn’t believe that her character will appear in any future movies in the MCU.When The Hollywood Reporter asked the scribe whether Johansson’s Black Widow would return to the film series in the future, he said: "I will preface by saying that I have no idea, but I don’t think so. "I feel like her end in ‘Endgame’ and then her epilogue with our ‘Black Widow’ prequel were so lovely. "So I would be surprised, but I know nothing about that. I have very little knowledge of what’s going on with ‘Doomsday’ right now."Pearson added that while the sacrifice of Natasha Romanoff was important...

Believe it or not, there used to be a time where movie sequels were actually an incredibly rare thing. As it was, audiences felt that movies and even tv shows should have definitive stories and points that they were trying to make and why would anybody bother making a sequel to what should have been a conclusive story? But now, in an era where Hollywood values established IP and fanbases more than any potential original project, sequels have become the norm. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing that sequels have taken over cinemas, provided that the sequels are just as good as the originals and come out with their own original plot-lines. Like all movies, whether or not a person might enjoy a surplus of sequels is preferential and is more so dependent on the subject material, especially if it’s regarding a franchise that the audience has taken a liking too.

Annual critics’ lists are important, sure. But when the world’s most successful filmmaker picks a favorite movie, people listen.

At the AFI’s annual 50th Life Achievement Award event held April 26 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Steven Spielberg was among friends and collaborators who couldn’t refuse offering kudos to honoree Francis Ford Coppola. When Spielberg and fellow helmer George Lucas presented the AFI honor to Coppola, the Schindler’s List and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial director said onstage that Coppola’s 1972 Oscar-winning classic The Godfather was, to him, “The greatest American film ever made.”

Certainly, a solid choice (who wants to get metaphorically whacked like Sonny Corleone at the toll booth for saying otherwise?). And Spielberg did clarify his statement as The Godfather being the best American film, setting it apart from world cinema. While great directors frequently change up their top films, many have stated the ones that hold prime spots.

Max‘s May film acquisitions include gems that came out both 80 years ago and as recently as just a few months ago. Indeed, the streaming service’s new movies range from 2024’s longest Best Picture contender to a classic Hollywood musical and an Oscar-winning, genre-bending 2004 drama. In case that was not enough, a pair of iconic horror movies and one fantasy masterpiece have also made their way to the platform this month.

Here are seven of the best movies that are now streaming on Max in May.

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (Focus Features) “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)

When he was promoting “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” Jim Carrey equated getting Charlie Kaufman’s script for the film with watching Moses come down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments and winning the lottery. They are apt metaphors for a film that feels, quite simply, miraculous.

Jack Nicholson Turned Down Michael Corleone In The Godfather ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

The release of The Godfather marked the entry of a true cinematic marvel in theatres. With its rich and nuanced storytelling, the story became a classic hit, thanks to the powerful performance delivered by its actors. One such signature character from the movie was Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino.

But here’s something not everyone knows: the role of Michael Corleone, Pacino’s iconic breakout, almost went to someone else entirely. And not just anyone, it practically went to Jack Nicholson, arguably Hollywood’s most charismatic actor of his generation. Before Pacino ever delivered that cold-blooded line, “It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business,” the role was of Jack’s to take.

Jack Nicholson, riding high off the success of Easy Rider and already becoming a household name, was in a prime position. Studio heads saw the commercial appeal.

Sylvester Stallone’s Hunter Movie ( Photo Credit – Flickr )

Many years ago, veteran Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone acquired the film rights to a 1999 science fiction novel titled Hunter, written by James Byron Huggins. The Oscar-nominated actor-filmmaker purportedly intended to use the novel’s plot for ‘Rambo: Last Blood’. But later, the Rambo movie’s plot was changed to Rambo rescuing a girl from the clutches of a Mexican human trafficking gang, and it was released in 2019.

Even now, if Stallone somehow still makes the film, it could well be the grand theatrical comeback the Rocky actor must be hoping for. After delivering a critically acclaimed performance as Rocky Balboa in Creed II, the charismatic actor’s big-screen acting projects in the last few years have received a lacklustre response. He has starred in films like Backtrace, Escape Plan: The Extractors, Expend4bles, Armor, and Alarum, and all of them got not-so-encouraging feedback.

Did Martin Scorsese almost direct The Godfather Part II?(Photo Credit –Instagram/Prime Video)

It’s one of Hollywood’s biggest what-ifs, Martin Scorsese almost helming The Godfather Part II instead of Francis Ford Coppola. At first glance, it sounds like an enticing alternate timeline, two titans of American cinema colliding over the same mythic underworld but if you dig deeper, it becomes clear that the reality we got may have been the best-case scenario.

Francis Ford Coppola’s Fatigue and the Scorsese Suggestion

Back in the early ’70s, Coppola was fresh off surviving the chaotic, pressure-cooked set of The Godfather. Studio battles, shady financing, production headaches, it all left him drained. When discussions for a sequel surfaced, he was hesitant, almost ready to walk and tensions with producer Bob Evans didn’t help either.

Coppola pitched a then-rising Scorsese to take over the reins, a suggestion that says more...

There are many film buffs who believe that Steven Spielberg has directed some of the best movies ever made. After all, this is the same filmmaker who gave us "Jaws," "Jurassic Park," "Saving Private Ryan," and three great "Indiana Jones" flicks before the franchise went off the rails. Those movies barely even scratch the surface of the gems in his oeuvre, and one could even argue that the lowest-rated Spielberg movies have their merits. Spielberg's credentials speak for themselves, so when he says that a film is the best American movie of all time, people listen. So, which film does he rank above every other movie to come out of the country?

Spielberg's favorite American film is one that's beloved by the masses, and it's the best crime thriller in history according to IMDb. Yes, we are talking about "The Godfather," directed by Spielberg's old friend Francis Ford Coppola. The...

Marlon Brando As The Godfather’s Don Corleone(Photo Credit –Facebook)

It’s tough to picture anyone other than Marlon Brando as the infamous Don Corleone in The Godfather. His portrayal of the mob boss became legendary, with his iconic voice, physical transformation, and those unforgettable mannerisms. But, as with most things in Hollywood, The Godfather wasn’t without its behind-the-scenes drama.

Brando almost didn’t get the role, despite Mario Puzo and director Francis Ford Coppola fighting tooth and nail to get him in the part. Paramount Studios wanted someone else, and a slew of other stars, some of them not even actors, were considered for the role. Imagine The Godfather with a completely different Don! The fight for Corleone almost turned into a Hollywood showdown, but in the end, Brando’s test reel had everyone eating out of his hand, securing his place in cinematic history.

1. Charles Bronson

Charles Bluhdorn,...

The second season of Andor is now in full swing, reaching its midpoint in just two weeks. For better or for worse, episodes are dropping in batches of three, and the latest set delivers a fascinating look at life under the Empire as several Rebels gather on Ghorman, resulting in two major plot events.

One of the key events puts Kleya in a perilous situation as she must undertake a daring mission in the most adverse circumstances. Meanwhile, another subplot sees Saw Gerrera transform into an almost Don Corleone-like figure, leading to a Godfather-like twist. Here is everything you need to know about two of the most understated actions in Andor season 2.

Andor season 2 gives Kleya a legendary Star Wars mission

Andor season 2 episodes 4 to 6 primarily revolve around Ghorman, with Cassian and Bix infiltrating the Empire-occupied planet to run a mission for Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård). Meanwhile, Luthen and his...

Check out Sinners IMDb rating and rank on IMDb 250 list (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Many diehard entertainment enthusiasts might already know that the globally popular movies and TV shows database portal IMDb houses a list that mentions the top 250 movies of all time from across the world, according to their IMDb user ratings. And the only film from the current year that has cracked the coveted IMDb top 250 movies list is Ryan Coogler & Michael B. Jordan’s Sinners.

Sinners IMDb Rating & Rank

It’s a pretty big deal if a film has cracked the IMDb top 250 movies list. Interestingly, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Sinners has become the first and only film from the year 2025 that has been able to find a place in the coveted list. As of now, Sinners has a user rating of 8.2/10 based on 58k votes and is currently placed at Rank 250 on the IMDb list.

Some of the best anime don’t need an expansive universe and go on for decades, they just need one season with a few episodes and a focused plot. 91 Days is one such hidden gem of an anime series, an amazing thriller with a revenge plot that rivals The Godfather franchise, though it isn’t a trilogy and nearly that vast.

91 Days only has 12 episodes, with an additional original video animation, and within this short span, you get a steady storyline with great pacing and a satisfying ending that allows viewers to interpret it for themselves. While most people are frustrated with open endings, 91 Days does it with grace.

The plot might be quite heavy, but it’s worth it. Angelo Lagusa’s story is something you can get quickly invested in from the get-go. You root for his revenge, but also come to know and understand the villains.

Oscar-winning Italian composer Nino Rota, who scored “La Dolce Vita,” “The Leopard” and “The Godfather” – among many other masterpiece movies – is set for “Nino” a high-profile documentary being directed by prominent editor, screenwriter and director Walter Fasano.

Fasano is known for his longtime creative collaboration with Luca Guadagnino mainly as an editor on films such as “I Am Love,” on which he served both as editor and co-writer; “A Bigger Splash”; “Call Me by Your Name”; and the doc “Bertolucci on Bertolucci” that Guadagnino and Fasano co-directed. Fasano more recently directed the doc “Pino” about Italian artist, sculptor, and set designer Pino Pascali.

Rota wrote the score for 16 films directed by Federico Fellini, including “La Strada,” “8 1/2,” “Juliet of the Spirits” and “Amarcord,” besides “La Dolce Vita.” He also composed music for Franco Zeffirelli’s “Romeo and Juliet” and the Sicilian-inspired theme for “The Godfather,” whose “Part II” score won him his only Oscar.

Weapons Trailer: "From New Line Cinema and Zach Cregger, the wholly original mind behind Barbarian, comes a new horror/thriller: Weapons.

When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.

The film stars Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, with Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan.

Cregger directs from his own screenplay, and also produces alongside Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules, with Michelle Morrissey and Josh Brolin executive producing. The filmmaker’s creative team behind the camera includes director of photography Larkin Seiple, production designer Tom Hammock, editor Joe Murphy and costume designer Trish Sommerville. The music is by Ryan Holladay, Hays Holladay and Zach Cregger.

New Line Cinema Presents a Subconscious/Vertigo Entertainment/Boulderlight Pictures Production, a Zach Cregger Film,...

Film directors are the masterminds behind the magic, the real wizards of the silver screen. While actors may get all the glory, it’s the directors who pull the strings, calling the shots (literally) and shaping the stories we love. From the old-school legends who defined cinema to the fresh talents shaking things up today, the film industry has been home to some of the most iconic filmmakers in history.

Some directors are known for their jaw-dropping action sequences, others for their mind-bending storytelling, and a few for making us cry into our popcorn. Whether it’s Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming adventures, Quentin Tarantino’s blood-soaked brilliance, or Christopher Nolan’s brain-busting timelines, each director brings something unique to the table. Here are 30 legendary directors from all over the world who spellbind us with their craft.

30. Francis Ford Coppola Francis Ford Coppola in The Godfather Part III (Credits- Paramount)

Francis...

Some cartoon buffoons may think The Godfather insists upon itself, but the film is widely considered one of the greatest ever, a masterful saga of family, legacy and business that topped the box office for 1972, nabbed three Oscars and is constantly ranked on best-of lists, from the AFI and Sight & Sound to Letterboxd and They Shoot Pictures, Don’t They? And since greatness recognizes greatness, Steven Spielberg has officially declared it as the best American film ever.

Speaking at pal Francis Ford Coppola’s recent AFI Life Achievement Award event (via Variety), Spielberg (who received the honor back in 1995), declared, “The Godfather, for me, is the greatest American film ever made. Many artists can and do take a bow from their work on a page, on a canvas, on a screen, but our applause for you Francis, is from a different kind of audience.” Spielberg has always been a...

Marvel Actor Stole Jordans(Photo Credit –Instagram)

In a move straight out of a Hollywood tradition, Shang-Chi star Simu Liu took home a keepsake that Marvel Studios probably never expected to go missing. While Marvel is notorious for guarding its props, Liu managed to sneak away with a pair of Nike Air Jordan Access sneakers worn during one of the most memorable scenes in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings—the iconic bus fight.

In a candid interview with GQ, Liu admitted, “I’m pretty sure there is a Marvel Pa out there still trying to track these down. But guess what? On my last day of shooting, I did manage to swipe them.” Talk about a move no one saw coming—except, maybe, for Liu, who clearly wanted to hold onto the moment. The bus scene was a fan favorite, with Liu’s split-kick move making waves...

Mafia Word Omission From The Godfather(Photo Credit –Prime Video)

It turns out that The Godfather’s absence of a specific infamous word wasn’t an accident, nor was it a subtle nod to classier storytelling; it was merely a survival instinct. Fans are only now connecting the dots, realizing why that single term, so central to the story’s real-life inspiration, is nowhere to be found in the script.

The production wasn’t just navigating the usual Hollywood egos and budget constraints behind the scenes. They were toeing a line that most wouldn’t dare cross as it could have dealt directly with the real-life underworld.

Hollywood Meets the Mob

At the time, the Italian-American Civil Rights League, headed by none other than mob boss Joe Colombo, was up in arms. They claimed the term “mafia” was a slur against Italian-Americans, and they made their opposition known in a...

Francis Ford Coppola has had a long and storied career spanning decades, with a filmography that boasts acclaimed classics such as The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. He has continued to take big swings, with his latest epic, 2024's Megalopolis, proving to beone of his most risky undertakings to date, given that he self-financed the film to the tune of $120 million (only for it to later bomb at the box office). If nothing else, the movie's lead star, Adam Driver,enjoyed getting to work with the maverick filmmaker first-hand, as he spoke highly of the experience at a recent Gala Tribute to benefit AFI's education and arts initiatives.

Coppola became the 50th recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award, America's highest honor for a career in film, during Saturday's glittering gala at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Several of his filmmaking peers and collaborators attended the event to honor his significant contribution to cinema,...

At the 50th AFI Life Achievement Awards ceremony on Saturday, Hollywood icons Steven Spielberg and George Lucas united to honor Francis Ford Coppola, presenting him with the accolade. Spielberg and Coppola met in 1967, and in 1971 Coppola screened Spielberg's Duel at his home. Lucas was present, and that marked the beginning of Spielberg's relationships with both filmmakers. That same year, Coppola produced Lucas' first directorial project, Thx 1138. Spielberg lauded Coppola as "a warrior for independent artists" and someone "fearless in how open you are to ideas, opinions and inspiration."

Reflecting on Coppola's impressive filmography, Spielberg fondly recalled watching an early cut of Apocalypse Now, along with other filmmakers (via Variety):

"When the film ended, you asked us to tell you what we saw, how we felt. You invited all of us in, so one by one, we told you where we were lost and where we were found, and I sat there in awe,...

On a night saluting the independence and go-for-broke cinematic life of Francis Ford Coppola, Al Pacino perhaps best summed up why the legendary filmmaker has opted out of accepting many honors over the decades by quoting Coppola himself, who once said, “The things you do when you’re young that you get fired for, are the same things that years later, they give you lifetime achievement awards for.”

Well Coppola, finally on the 50th anniversary of the AFI Life Achievement Award dinners, got the most prestigious one of all for movie makers, and having been to numerous of these AFI events over the decades (Frank Capra’s in 1982 was my first), this warm and very starry evening Saturday was among the very best, and certainly one of the best attended by other legends and past AFI honorees themselves.

No less than seven, count ’em, seven past AFI Life Achievement Award...

After the success of "The Godfather" in 1972 and the even larger success of "The Godfather Part II" in 1974, writer/director Francis Ford Coppola was done with the series. He felt that the stories of Vito Corleone and his son Michael (Al Pacino) had been told. Coppola told a complex Shakespearean drama about a man's loyalty to his mob-leading family, and how that seemingly honorable quality undercut his desire to live a normal life. Michael was granted power in the mob as a result, and as he rose through the ranks, he lost his soul. In his more lucid moments, he was at peace with that. 

Coppola was finished, but Paramount wanted to keep going, knowing that the "Godfather" movies weren't just prestige pictures, but major blockbusters. In that way that studios have, Paramount wanted to put a stool down next to "The Godfather" and milk it for all it was worth.

Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, arguably most well-known for the Godfatherfranchise, was recently honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute. On hand to pay tribute to the Oscar-winning director were two icons in their own right, Robert De Niro and The Godfather star Al Pacino. Per Deadline, the pair, in their words about Coppola, reminisced about working with the director on his mobster film franchise.

“Francis, thank you for not casting me in The Godfather,”De Niro said at the awards ceremony held April 26 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. “It was the best job I ever, never got,” he joked. “And it meant I was available for The Godfather Part II. Francis, you changed my career, you changed my life. We’re all here tonight because of you. We love you,” De Niro concluded.

(Watch) Al Pacino and Robert De Niro muse on Francis...

Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Spike Lee, Diane Lane and more sang the praises of Francis Ford Coppola at the 50th AFI Lifetime Achievement Award tribute event Saturday night at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Spielberg called Coppola “peerless” while Lucas said, “You’re our hero, Francis, the first university student to make it in the industry.” Son Roman Coppola was also on hand, as was Gia Coppola, while Sofia Coppola shared a pre-taped video interview with her father.

Throughout the emotional evening, Coppola was celebrated as a true Hollywood outsider who made the system work for him and someone who launched dozens of careers, as with the cast of his 1983 film “The Outsiders.” Here are some of the highlights from the ceremony:

Steven Spielberg moved Coppola to tears

In his moving tribute to his longtime friend, Spielberg had his fellow filmmaker...

As Francis Ford Coppola received AFI’s 50th Life Achievement Award, Adam Driver praised his fearless approach to cinema.

During Saturday’s gala at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the actor paid tribute to “one of my cinematic heroes” and his big swing with last year’s Megalopolis, which Coppola self-funded after first conceiving the idea in 1983.

“A theater director who brought his process to film and revolutionized how we think about cinema, and certainly how we make it,” said Driver. “His movies, for some, are the yardstick to be measured by, and at the very least, examples of the possibilities in film, like in my opinion, Megalopolis.”

Recalling “the best piece of direction I ever heard” that came from the first day of filming Megalopolis, Driver said Coppola told the room, “We’re not being brave enough.”

Putting that piece of advice into the context of Coppola’s storied career,...

Although Robert De Niro was passed over for The Godfather, his starring role in the sequel turned out to be the offer he couldn’t refuse.

While paying tribute to director Francis Ford Coppola with the AFI Life Achievement Award, he and co-star Al Pacino reminisced about their time with the filmmaker on his seminal mafia film franchise.

“Francis, thank you for not casting me in The Godfather,” said De Niro during Saturday’s gala at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “It was the best job I ever, never got. And it meant I was available for The Godfather Part II. Francis, you changed my career, you changed my life. We’re all here tonight because of you. We love you.”

Following Pacino’s breakout performance as Michael Corleone in 1972’s adaptation of Mario Puzo’s book, the 1974 sequel followed the parallel paths of father and son with De...

Francis Ford Coppola, one of cinema’s most influential auteurs, was honored with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award on Saturday at a star-studded gala at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Seated alongside Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, his filmmaker son Roman Coppola, and granddaughter Gia Coppola, the visionary behind The Godfather trilogy, Apocalypse Now, and The Conversation was celebrated in a way only he could inspire: with reverence, love, and a whole lot of family.

The night was a retrospective of the Academy Award-winning director, writer, and producer's career, highlighting friendships with Harrison Ford, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Ralph Macchio, Diane Lane, Dustin Hoffman, and C. Thomas Howell, among others.

Speaking to Gold Derby on the red carpet before the gala, Coppola reflected on a constant in his creative process: connecting with actors before cameras roll.

"I always ask for a couple of weeks [to get time with the actors before a project starts],” he said. “If I'm lucky,...

The first celebrity to take to the Dolby Theatre stage to celebrate filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola becoming the 50th recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award was an actor that has actually never worked with the iconic director. Still, Morgan Freeman, himself an AFI Life Achievement Award winner in 2011, set the tone for what the rest of Coppola’s colleagues and family members would highlight from his storied career.

“Francis Ford Coppola is still the independent filmmaker, believer of dreams on a dime, teller of tales that cost and lost millions,” said Freeman. “But tonight, fuck the bankers and the backers. We’re here to celebrate art.”

Though she was not at the event in person, his daughter Sofia Coppola, an Oscar-winning filmmaker in her own right, filmed a retrospective interview with the AFI honoree that served as a framework for the event.

One of the first films to get...

Francis Ford Coppola was honored by a star-studded group of friends and collaborators on Saturday night as he received this year’s AFI Life Achievement Award at the Dolby Theatre.

Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Dustin Hoffman, Ron Howard, C. Thomas Howell, Diane Lane, Spike Lee, Ralph Macchio, son Roman and granddaughter Gia all took part in the American Film Institute event, this year celebrating its landmark 50th anniversary.

Freeman kicked things off by joking that although he had “never, ever been in a movie written, directed or produced by Francis Ford Coppola,” he had profoundly moved by his films. Celebrating Coppola for being an independent filmmaker, Freeman called him a “weaver of dreams on a dime, teller of tales that cost and lost millions — but tonight, fuck the bankers and the backers. We are here to celebrate art and...

Hollywood stars who lost out on iconic roles ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

You know, like when you’re locked into one film and miss out on that other golden opportunity. It’s not always about a bad decision, sometimes it’s just about timing.

Honestly, picture it, you’re all set to play the hero, but a pesky scheduling conflict with a previous project keeps you from donning that cape. And while other actors swoop in and become legends, you’re left wondering what could’ve been. These stars found themselves trapped in other roles, missing out on iconic gigs that could’ve changed their careers. What could’ve happened if they’d had a free schedule?

Let’s dive into the stars who almost played some of Hollywood’s most unforgettable characters!

Trending The Godfather: Why Vito Corleone’s Death Is Still The Most Powerful Moment In The Franchise...

Francis Ford Coppola was celebrated Saturday night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles as he received the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest recognition from the American Film Institute. The evening brought together many of Hollywood’s most respected names, including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Harrison Ford, Adam Driver, Morgan Freeman, and Spike Lee.

Spielberg and Lucas, who share decades-long friendships with Coppola, presented the award. Spielberg, recalling their first meeting in 1967, praised Coppola’s openness and creative fearlessness. “On one hand, you are a warrior for independent artists,” Spielberg said. “But also, and always, you’re fearless in how open you are to ideas, opinions and inspiration.” He described watching an early five-hour cut of Apocalypse Now with other filmmakers, highlighting Coppola’s willingness to invite feedback and collaborate in the creative process.

“You have taken what came before and redefined the canon of American film,...

A Look At 8 Films That Nearly Ruined The Careers Of The Makers ( Photo Credit – Prime Video )

Directing a movie sounds glamorous, megaphone in hand, visions of Oscars dancing in your head. But in reality? It’s more like herding caffeinated cats through a minefield. One wrong move, and Hollywood will toss you into the “has-been” pile faster than you can say “creative differences.” Even the most brilliant directors aren’t immune. A single disaster at the box office, and suddenly, your next gig is directing car commercials in Ohio.

Some of the movies on this list came from fresh-faced newcomers; others were from seasoned legends who made one epic misstep. Whether it was a bloated passion project or a tone-deaf misfire, these films didn’t just flop, they nearly sent their directors into career exile. And while a few managed a comeback, others became cautionary tales whispered in studio boardrooms.

Hollywood legends gathered Saturday night to celebrate Francis Ford Coppola as he received the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Film Institute.

Steven Spielberg and George Lucas presented Coppola with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.

Spielberg called Coppola “fearless.” Spielberg, who first met Coppola in 1967, said, “On one hand, you are a warrior for independent artists, you always champion their causes, but also, and always, you’re fearless in how open you are to ideas, opinions and inspiration.”

He recalled watching an early cut of “Apocalypse Now,” which was five hours long, with other filmmakers. “When the film ended, you asked us to tell you what we saw, how we felt. You invited all of us in, so one by one, we told you where we were lost and where we were found, and I sat there in awe, learning that leaving yourself open and searching was,...

Enola Holmes 3 ( Photo Credit – Netflix )

Enola Holmes is back at it again, and we’re here for all the sleuthing and sarcasm! Following the massive success of the first two films, Netflix has officially given the green light to Enola Holmes 3, much to the delight of fans everywhere. Based on Nancy Springer’s book series, the teen detective is set to unravel even more mysteries while breaking the fourth wall with her trademark wit.

From her electric performance to the thrilling cases that make Sherlock’s puzzles look like child’s play, Enola has captured hearts worldwide. So, grab your magnifying glasses, Enola Holmes is ready to solve more mysteries, and this time, she’s taking us on an even bigger adventure!

Enola Holmes 3 Release Date

Enola Holmes fans, the wait continues! After much speculation and plenty of crossed fingers, Netflix officially confirmed that Enola Holmes 3...