Francis Ford Coppola once again stirred controversy in Hollywood after winning the Razzie Award for Worst Director for Megalopolis (2024).

Rather than expressing regret, the legendary filmmaker embraced the criticism and said the award reflects his choice not to follow what he called the industry’s “cowardly rules” and prevailing trends.

The Razzie Awards, often described as the “anti-Oscars,” announced the winners of their 45th edition, naming Coppola in a category rarely associated with filmmakers of his stature.

Megalopolis received six nominations, including Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay and Worst Screen Couple. Actor Jon Voight also won Worst Supporting Actor for his role in the film.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Francis Ford Coppola said he was “thrilled to accept the Razzie Award” and described it as an honor to be nominated at a time when, in his view, few filmmakers dare to go against the dominant currents of contemporary cinema.

“I chose NOT to follow the cowardly rules imposed by an industry so terrified of risk,” Coppola wrote, launching a direct attack on Hollywood. According to the director, the current system prioritizes commercial safety over creative ambition, turning art into a numbers-driven competition.

The five-time Oscar winner argued that despite the “enormous young talent” available today, the industry may struggle to produce films that remain relevant and vibrant decades from now. He defended Megalopolis as a work of art rather than a conventional commercial product.

Coppola concluded by downplaying box office performance. “Box office is only about money and, like war, stupidity and politics, it has no real place in our future,” he said. His remarks reignited a broader debate about creativity, risk-taking and the trends shaping modern Hollywood.