Francis Ford Coppola Receives Oscar Lifetime Achievement Award

Francis Ford Coppola received the Irving G. Thalberg award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science's over the weekend during an Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles. 

"I've learned how to spend money, and Francis has learned how to make it," producer George Lucas said during his tribute to Coppola.

The award marks Oscar No. 6 for the 71-year-old director-screenwriter, who received one for The Godfather, three for The Godfather Part II, and one for Patton.

See photos of Francis Ford Coppola

Upon accepting his achievement, the filmmaker-vintner said: "I have a great love of the original Hollywood tradition and admiration for the tradition of Irving Thalberg."

Other guests during the night included Godfather actors Robert De Niro and James Caan and daughter and fellow Oscar winner, Sofia Coppola.

Additional honorees were actor Eli Wallach, film historian Kevin Brownlow and director Jean-Luc Godard.

Highlights from the evening will air during the Academy Awards telecast on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 8/7c on ABC.