Francis Ford Coppola is taking his 2025 Razzie win for Worst Director in stride, demonstrating grace even in the face of criticism.
The esteemed director, now 85, received this dubious honor for his 2024 sci-fi drama “Megalopolis,” which featured an impressive cast including Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, Jon Voight, and Shia LaBeouf.
The ambitious project, boasting a budget of $120 million, fizzled at the box office, garnering only $14.6 million in ticket sales and drawing negative reviews from critics, including The Post’s Johnny Oleksinski.
In response to the Razzie, Coppola took to Instagram, expressing his pride in receiving the award. He stated, “I am delighted to accept the Razzie award in significant categories for @megalopolisfilm, including Worst Director, Worst Screenplay, and Worst Picture. This recognition comes at a time when many shy away from challenging the status quo in filmmaking.”
He reflected on the current state of Hollywood, lamenting that art is often evaluated as if it were merely a sporting event. Coppola emphasized the importance of taking risks in storytelling to ensure the art form remains vibrant and relevant. He expressed admiration for filmmakers such as Jacques Tati, who fearlessly pursued his vision despite financial struggles.
Coppola concluded with gratitude for his collaborators, acknowledging their shared commitment to craft: “Let us remember that box office numbers are not the sole measure of success.”
Vocabulary List:
- Esteemed /ɪˈstiːmd/ (adjective): Respected and admired.
- Ambitious /æmˈbɪʃ.əs/ (adjective): Having a strong desire for success or achievement.
- Fizzle /ˈfɪz.əl/ (verb): To fail to perform or to be as successful as expected.
- Lamenting /ləˈmɛn.tɪŋ/ (verb): Expressing sorrow or regret for something.
- Recognition /ˌrɛkəɡˈnɪʃən/ (noun): The acknowledgment of something’s existence or validity.
- Collaborators /kəˈlæbəˌreɪtərz/ (noun): People who work jointly on an activity or project.
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