'Godfather' legends Robert De Niro, Al Pacino reunite for epic salute to Coppola

Godfather stars Al Pacino and Robert De Niro had a special reunion to honour director Francis Ford Coppola at the American Film Institute’s 50th Life Achievement Award ceremony in Hollywood.

The event celebrated the legacy of the Godfather director, which was filmed and will be released on TNT on June 18, as reported by People Magazine.

Delivering a heartfelt tribute on stage, Pacino said, "The things you do when you're young that you get fired for are the same things that years, later they give you a lifetime achievement award."

"You know, none of us were fired from The Godfather, but some of us got pretty close. I got the closest," he added, referring to Di Niro who smiled.

He said, "Francis just fought for us all the time. He fought for his film and his vision, which he always does. Thanks for believing in me, even more than I believed in myself. I am eternally grateful and honored to be part of your Godfather family."

Moreover, Di Niro, who played young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, followed Pacino with his own words of appreciation.

"Francis, thank you for not casting me in The Godfather. It was the best job I never got. And it meant I was available for The Godfather Part II. I got to play this guy's father," he said.

The actor added, "Francis, you've changed my career. You've changed my life. We're all here tonight because of you. We love you, salute."

It is worth mentioning that this event marked the reunion of Robert De Niro, 81, and Al Pacino, who have collaborated on several projects including, Heat in 1995, The Irishman in 2019, and Righteous Kill IN 2008.