The film was the highest-grossing film of 1972 , and was for a time the highest-grossing film ever made , with a gross of around $ 245-286 million at the box office . The film received universal acclaim from critics and audiences , with praise going towards the performances of its cast , particularly from Brando and Pacino , the directing , screenplay , cinematography , editing , score , and portrayal of the mafia . The film revitalized Brando 's career , which was in decline during the 1960s before going on to star in hits such as '' Last Tango in Paris '' , '' Superman '' , and '' Apocalypse Now '' , and launched the successful careers of Coppola , Pacino , and the rest of the cast . At the 45th Academy Awards , it won the Oscars for Best Picture , Best Actor ( Brando ) and Best Adapted Screenplay ( for Puzo and Coppola ) . Its seven other Oscar nominations included Pacino , James Caan , Robert Duvall ( Best Supporting Actor ) , and Coppola for Best Director
45th Academy Awards
45th Academy Awards
The Godfather