When did The Godfather premiere and when was it released nationally?
The Godfather premiered at the Loew's State Theatre in New York City on the 14th of March 1972, and was released nationally throughout the United States on the 24th of March 1972.
Questions about The Godfather
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How much did The Godfather earn at the box office?
The Godfather earned between $250 million and $291 million in worldwide box office receipts across all releases. During its initial release, it earned $81.5 million in theatrical rentals in the United States and Canada, on a production budget of $6.5 million.
What Academy Awards did The Godfather win?
At the 45th Academy Awards, The Godfather won Best Picture, Best Actor for Marlon Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola. Brando declined the Oscar and sent Sacheen Littlefeather to the ceremony in his place.
Why did Marlon Brando decline his Oscar for The Godfather?
Marlon Brando declined his Best Actor Oscar in protest at Hollywood's depiction of American Indians. He sent American Indian Rights activist Sacheen Littlefeather to the Academy Awards podium to announce his reasons.
How did Francis Ford Coppola get the job directing The Godfather?
Coppola was suggested by Paramount executive Peter Bart after multiple other directors, including Sergio Leone, Peter Bogdanovich, and several others, declined the role. Coppola initially turned the job down, finding Puzo's novel "pretty cheap stuff," but reversed his decision because his studio American Zoetrope owed over $400,000 to Warner Bros. He was officially announced as director on the 28th of September 1970.
How was The Godfather ranked by the American Film Institute?
The American Film Institute ranked The Godfather the second-greatest film in American cinema in its 2007 updated survey, behind Citizen Kane. It also ranked first on the AFI's list of the top ten gangster films and fifth among the greatest film scores.