Sofia Coppola Honored at MoMA Film Benefit as Stars Celebrate Her Career

Sofia Coppola Receives MoMA Tribute Celebrating Her Impact on Contemporary Cinema

Sofia Coppola was honored at the Museum of Modern Art’s annual Film Benefit in New York on Wednesday, receiving a warm celebration from long-time collaborators, actors, and friends who praised her distinctive visual style and artistic influence. The event, presented by Chanel, supported MoMA’s film collection and preservation initiatives, recognizing Coppola’s evolution from a young creative navigating skepticism to one of the most notable filmmakers of her generation.

The evening brought together industry figures including Bill Murray, Elle Fanning, and Josh Hartnett, alongside Coppola’s family, as they reflected on her career, her resilience, and her enduring impact on modern filmmaking.

Early Challenges and a Career Defined by Persistence

Coppola opened the evening by recalling advice she received at age 20 from actress Anjelica Huston: “Not everyone’s going to love you. Don’t waste your time on the people who don’t.” The memory set the tone for a deeply personal tribute.

She spoke candidly about growing up with the weight of famous lineage, noting she was viewed as “a nepo baby before they were charming” and remembered by critics as “the amateur actress who had single-handedly ruined ‘The Godfather’ films.” Despite the scrutiny, Coppola credited a small circle of early supporters who believed in her voice.

Since her feature debut with The Virgin Suicides, Coppola has written and directed seven narrative features and a forthcoming documentary about designer Marc Jacobs, set for release by A24 next year. Her career has spanned both acclaim and controversy—from winning an Academy Award for Lost in Translation to being booed at Cannes for Marie Antoinette, a film that has since achieved a devoted following.

Collaborators Reflect on Coppola’s Vision and Influence

Acting partnerships shaped her creative community

Elle Fanning recounted meeting Coppola at age 11, recalling that she meticulously planned her outfit before their first meeting—an encounter that led to her casting in Somewhere. She described Coppola’s work as transformative, saying she found a sense of “safety and belonging” in the filmmaker’s worlds.

Fanning shared how Coppola empowered her on set, treating her as an equal and elevating personal details—such as braces and glasses—into elements of character. She later reunited with Coppola for The Beguiled, where she explored more complex roles.

Josh Hartnett praised Coppola for trusting him early in his career when she cast him in The Virgin Suicides. He recalled her calm authority on set at age 26 and noted her artistic presence shaped his understanding of filmmaking. “Sofia showed me at a young age what it is to be an artist,” he said.

Bill Murray, who has collaborated with Coppola on several projects including On the Rocks, offered a humorous but heartfelt tribute. “She’s not just the daughter of a great filmmaker,” he said. “She’s a great filmmaker.” He described her ability to find meaning in everyday moments, saying, “The movies she makes and the woman she has become are the result of paying attention.”

Messages From Family and Friends Add to the Tribute

Those unable to attend, including her father Francis Ford Coppola and actress Kirsten Dunst, sent video tributes. Dunst, who has starred in several of Coppola’s films, called her a “creative sister” of more than two decades.

Coppola attended the event with her husband, musician Thomas Mars, and their daughters, Romy and Cosima. She thanked her late mother, filmmaker Eleanor Coppola, for showing her that raising a family and pursuing an artistic career could coexist. She also credited her brother Roman Coppola for encouraging her to stay true to her vision—particularly when pressured to change the ending of Lost in Translation.

Supporting Women in Film Remains a Central Focus

Looking ahead, Coppola acknowledged the strides made since her early career, when an industry executive told her that films about women wouldn’t succeed because “boys won’t go to see films about girls.” Although progress has been made, she emphasized the ongoing need for more women in leadership and financing roles to support emerging filmmakers.

Chanel’s long-standing support for women in cinema was highlighted throughout the evening. The luxury fashion house not only sponsored the benefit but also backs MoMA’s film programs, including a collection of more than 30,000 works.

Elvis Costello Performs a Childhood Dream Finale

The night concluded with a performance by Elvis Costello, fulfilling what Coppola described as a childhood dream. Murray joked earlier in the evening that when he heard Coppola was being honored at age 54, he wondered, “Was she OK?” But he later underscored her unique artistry, saying, “I feel like I was paying attention myself when I said, ‘I want to work with this girl.’”