What’s the best U.S. film ever made? But Steven Spielberg, a filmmaker who's made some classics himself – "Jaws," "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Schindler's List" to name three – has weighed in. Spielberg made his pronouncement at a tribute to director Francis Ford Coppola held by the American Film Institute on April 26. His pick: "The Godfather," the 1972 film directed by Coppola. Before Spielberg and George Lucas presented Coppola with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award, Spielberg talked about meeting Coppola in 1967 and being asked to watch and critique an early cut of "Apocalypse Now." Then, Spielberg said he considered "The Godfather," as "the greatest American film ever made," a remark which led Coppola to cover his face with his hands.