Kuala Lumpur, August 28, 2025 — At the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, cinematic legend Francis Ford Coppola made a stirring return to the spotlight during the opening ceremony — his first public appearance since undergoing a heart procedure in early August. Cloaked in a tuxedo, the 86-year-old director received a standing ovation as he presented fellow auteur Werner Herzog with a prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.
Herzog, flanked by his wife Lena, accepted the award with gratitude, reflecting on their decades-long friendship. He reminisced about how a young Herzog once stayed at Coppola’s home in San Francisco while penniless — a kindness that led him to pen the screenplay for his bold classic Fitzcarraldo.
Coppola’s appearance holds added significance following his August 5 medical procedure in Rome. Later, he reassured fans on Instagram, affectionately writing: “Da Dada (what my kids call me) is fine,” and displayed remarkable vitality throughout the evening.
The Venice opening also showcased the world premiere of Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia and featured premieres from Guillermo del Toro and Kathryn Bigelow—underlining the festival’s role as a global cinematic stage for bold, awards‑season prospects.
