NEW YORK — The American Film Institute has announced that Francis Ford Coppola will be honored with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.

Coppola, who has just released his long-awaited film “Megalopolis,” will receive this prestigious recognition during a gala event at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 26. At the age of 85, he will mark a significant milestone as the 50th individual to be awarded this title, which was first given to John Ford in 1973.

Producer Kathleen Kennedy, who chairs the AFI board of trustees, praised Coppola, stating, “Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist — one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, inspiring countless filmmakers to embrace his artistry and independent spirit.”

Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” a modern-day epic set in New York, was released in September and debuted at the Cannes Film Festival. Despite mixed critical reviews and disappointing box office performance, Coppola has emphasized that his motivation for creating the film was driven by his passion for artistry rather than profit. He independently financed the project himself.

In a prior interview, Coppola expressed his views on the importance of relationships over financial gain, stating, “Everyone’s so worried about money. I say: Give me less money and give me more friends. Friends are valuable. Money is very fragile. You could have a million marks in Germany at the end of World War II and you wouldn’t be able to buy a loaf of bread.”

Nicole Kidman was honored at last year’s AFI tribute, while other recent awardees include notable figures such as John Williams, Mel Brooks, Denzel Washington, and Julie Andrews.