Sofia Coppola facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sofia Coppola
Coppola in 2010
Born	Sofia Carmina Coppola (1971-05-14) May 14, 1971 (age 54) New York City, U.S.
Other names	Domino Coppola
Occupation	Film director screenwriter producer actress
Years active	1972–present
Known for	Full list
Spouse(s)	Spike Jonze ​ ​ (m. 1999; div. 2003)​ Thomas Mars ​ (m. 2011)​
Children	2, including Romy Mars
Parent(s)	Francis Ford Coppola (father) Eleanor Neil (mother)
Relatives	Carmine Coppola (grandfather) Italia Pennino (grandmother) Gian-Carlo Coppola (brother) Roman Coppola (brother) August Coppola (uncle) Talia Shire (aunt) Gia Coppola (niece) Nicolas Cage (cousin) Marc Coppola (cousin) Christopher Coppola (cousin) Jason Schwartzman (cousin) Robert Schwartzman (cousin) Matthew Shire (cousin)
Family	Coppola
Awards	Full list

Sofia Carmina Coppola (born May 14, 1971) is an American filmmaker and a former actress. She has won many important awards for her movies. These include an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a special award from the Cannes Film Festival. She was also nominated for other big awards like the BAFTA Awards.

Sofia's parents are also filmmakers, Eleanor and Francis Ford Coppola. She first appeared in a movie as a baby in her father's film The Godfather (1972). Later, she acted in music videos and in the movie Peggy Sue Got Married (1986). She also played Mary Corleone in The Godfather Part III (1990).

Sofia then started directing movies. Her first full-length film was a drama released in 1999. It was her first time working with actress Kirsten Dunst. Sofia's films often explore themes like feeling alone, being wealthy, and growing up. She won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for her movie Lost in Translation (2003). She was also nominated for Best Director, becoming one of the few women to receive this honor.

Since then, she has directed many other films. These include Marie Antoinette (2006), Somewhere (2010), and The Bling Ring (2013). Her more recent films are The Beguiled (2017), On the Rocks (2020), and Priscilla (2023). In 2015, Sofia also created a Christmas musical special for Netflix called A Very Murray Christmas.

Early Life and Interests

Sofia Coppola was born in New York City on May 14, 1971. She is the youngest child of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and documentarian Eleanor. Her family has Italian roots. She grew up on her parents' farm in Rutherford, California. When she was 15, Sofia worked as an intern for the fashion brand Chanel.

She finished high school in 1990. Sofia first studied at Mills College and then at the California Institute of the Arts. She focused on painting there from 1993 to 1994. Later, she attended Art Center College of Design. After leaving college, Sofia started her own clothing line called Milkfed. It is now sold only in Japan.

Growing up, Sofia had many different interests. These included fashion, photography, music, and design. She did not plan to become a filmmaker at first. But after making her first short film in 1998, she realized it brought together all her favorite things. That's when she decided to continue directing movies.

Sofia's Film Career

Early Acting Roles (1972–1999)

Sofia Coppola's acting career began when she was a baby. She appeared in eight of her father's movies. Her most famous early role was as the infant Michael Francis Rizzi in The Godfather. She also acted in her father's films like The Outsiders (1983) and Peggy Sue Got Married (1986).

In 1984, she acted in Frankenweenie. This was her first film not directed by her father. She used the stage name "Domino" at that time. A short film called Life Without Zoe (1989) was co-written by Sofia and her father.

Sofia returned to the Godfather series in The Godfather Part III (1990). She played Michael Corleone's daughter. The actress originally cast for the role had to drop out. Sofia has said she never really wanted to act. She only did it to help her father when he asked. She was not bothered by criticism of her acting.

Coppola in 2003

After her role in The Godfather Part III, Sofia mostly stopped acting. However, she did appear in the film Inside Monkey Zetterland (1992). She also had a small role as Saché in George Lucas' 1999 film Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

Sofia also appeared in several music videos in the 1990s. These included "Sometimes Salvation" by the Black Crowes and "Deeper and Deeper" by Madonna.

Directing Success and Acclaim (1998–2003)

Sofia's first short film as a director was Lick the Star (1998). Her first full-length movie as a director was released in 1999. It was based on a book by Jeffrey Eugenides. The film was praised by critics when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Sofia was drawn to the story after reading the book in 1995. She felt the author understood what it was like to be a teenager. This film helped Sofia become known as a filmmaker on her own.

Lost in Translation (2003)

Coppola has worked with Bill Murray on three projects, including Lost in Translation (2003).

Sofia's second movie, Lost in Translation (2003), was a big success. It won her an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. It also won three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Picture. Sofia became the third woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Directing. She was the second woman to win the Original Screenplay award. Her Oscar win made her a third-generation Oscar winner in her family.

Sofia filmed Lost in Translation in just 27 days. She worked with a small team and often filmed scenes without special permits. The movie was filmed on the streets and in a hotel in Tokyo. The film was very popular. However, some people felt it showed Japan in a strange way. Sofia explained that she loves Tokyo and was not trying to be disrespectful. She said her film was based on her own experiences.

Building Her Career (2006–2017)

Coppola first worked with Kirsten Dunst in 1999.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Her third film was Marie Antoinette (2006). It was based on the life story of the French queen. Kirsten Dunst played Marie Antoinette, and Sofia's cousin, Jason Schwartzman, played King Louis XVI. The film was shown at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. Critics had mixed feelings about it at first. But over time, it gained many fans and is now highly regarded.

Marie Antoinette was filmed at the real Château de Versailles. Sofia wanted to show Marie Antoinette as an innocent person caught in a difficult situation. She aimed to create a personal look at the queen's world. The film used modern music from the 1970s and 80s. This gave it a unique style. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

Somewhere (2010)

Sofia's fourth film was Somewhere (2010). It was filmed at the famous Chateau Marmont hotel. The story is about a famous actor, Marco, who has to rethink his life. This happens when his daughter, Cleo, unexpectedly arrives. The relationship between Marco and Cleo was partly based on Sofia's own relationship with her father. The film won the top prize, the Golden Lion, at the Venice International Film Festival.

Coppola in 2014

Somewhere shows an actor dealing with fame and loneliness. He has to take care of his 11-year-old daughter. The film was praised by critics. Film critic Roger Ebert said Sofia is a "fascinating director" who shows exactly what she sees.

The Bling Ring (2013)

Sofia's next film, The Bling Ring (2013), was based on real events. It was about a group of teenagers in California. They broke into the homes of celebrities and stole valuable items. Emma Watson and Taissa Farmiga starred in the movie. It premiered at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Sofia said the real-life criminals were influenced by reality TV culture. The film received good reviews. Some people felt it made the crimes seem glamorous.

A Very Murray Christmas (2015)

Sofia worked again with Bill Murray, who starred in Lost in Translation. They created A Very Murray Christmas, a musical comedy special. Sofia co-wrote it with Murray and Mitch Glazer. The film was a tribute to old Christmas variety shows. It was released on Netflix in December 2015.

The Beguiled (2017)

Sofia directed The Beguiled (2017). It was a new version of a 1971 film. It starred Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, and Kirsten Dunst. The film premiered at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. Sofia became the second woman to win the Best Director award there. The movie is based on a 1966 book about a wounded soldier during the American Civil War.

Colin Farrell, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, Coppola, Nicole Kidman at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival

Sofia was interested in the story because of its setting in the South. She wanted the film to show how women were raised to be polite and care for men. She aimed to show how this changed when the men were away. Sofia said she wanted to tell the story from the women's point of view. She felt the earlier film made the characters seem like strange caricatures. Sofia said she sees her film as having a female perspective.

Recent Work (2020–Present)

On the Rocks (2020)

Sofia's film, On the Rocks, tells the story of a daughter and her father. They are played by Rashida Jones and Bill Murray. They explore New York together to fix their relationship. The film was released in theaters in October 2020. It was also available for streaming on Apple TV+.

Critics gave the film good reviews. They praised Sofia's writing and directing. Some critics noted it was a lighter film than her previous works.

Fairyland (2023)

In 2013, it was announced that Sofia would help adapt a book called Fairyland: A Memoir of My Father. She would also produce the film with her brother Roman. Later, Sofia decided not to direct the film. Andrew Durham took over as director and writer.

The film, titled Fairyland, premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. It received positive reviews.

Priscilla (2023)

Sofia's most recent film, Priscilla (2023), is her eighth as a director. It is based on the life of Priscilla Presley and her 1985 book Elvis and Me. Cailee Spaeny plays Priscilla, and Jacob Elordi plays Elvis Presley. The film premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in September 2023.

Coppola at a Q&A for Priscilla in 2023

The film explores Priscilla Presley's life and her relationship with Elvis Presley. Unlike the film Elvis (2022), Sofia's film focuses on the challenges in their home life from Priscilla's point of view.

The film received positive reviews. Rolling Stone magazine called it her best film since Lost in Translation. Sofia said her own teenage years helped her understand Priscilla's story. She remembered how everything felt important and intense when she was a teenager.

Other Work and Projects

Television and Commercials

In the mid-1990s, Sofia and her friend Zoe Cassavetes hosted a short TV show called Hi Octane. It featured performers in underground music. The show was canceled after four episodes.

In December 2008, Sofia's first commercial was shown. She directed an advertisement for the Christian Dior perfume Miss Dior Chérie. It was filmed in France and became very popular online. In October 2014, Sofia also created a series of Christmas ads for the clothing store Gap.

In May 2020, it was announced that Sofia would write and direct a TV show. It would be based on the book The Custom of the Country for Apple TV+. In 2022, Sofia appeared as herself in an episode of the TV show What We Do in the Shadows. Her husband, Thomas Mars, also appeared.

Modeling and Fashion

In the early 1990s, Sofia was often featured in magazines for girls. In 1994, she helped start the clothing line Milk Fed in Japan. In 2001, fashion designer Marc Jacobs chose Sofia to be the face of his perfume, Daisy. In 2013, Elle magazine featured photos taken by Sofia. She photographed Paris Hilton at Hilton's home.

Stage Direction

In 2017, Sofia was asked to direct an opera called La Traviata. It is a famous opera by Giuseppe Verdi. This was Sofia's first time directing a stage production. Fashion designer Valentino Garavani designed the costumes for the show. Sofia said she wanted to show the personal side of the main character.

Sofia said Valentino encouraged her to try something new and challenging. She promised a traditional show that people who don't usually watch opera could enjoy. The opera was a huge success. Ticket sales broke records for the Rome Opera House. All fifteen shows were almost sold out before opening night.

Art and Retail

Sofia is on the board for the Gagosian Gallery, an art gallery. In 2024, Sofia launched a line of lip balms. She created them with the skin care brand Augustinus Bader.

Personal Life

Coppola with President Bill Clinton and then-husband Spike Jonze at Three Kings screening on October 14, 1999.

In 1992, Sofia met director Spike Jonze. They married in 1999 and divorced in 2003. It is believed that the main character's husband in Lost in Translation was partly based on Jonze. Sofia said there were elements of her experiences with Spike in the film.

From 2003 to 2005, Sofia dated filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. They have remained friends.

Sofia married musician Thomas Mars on August 27, 2011. The wedding took place in Italy. They met while working on the music for her 1999 film. They have two daughters. Their daughter Romy (born 2006) is named after Sofia's brother Roman. Their second daughter, Cosima, was born in May 2010.

Sofia and her family lived in Paris for several years. They moved to New York City in 2010. Sofia tries to keep her family's life private. She wants her daughters to have a normal life, not affected by her career. She has said she doesn't want her children to become tired of things too early.

Filmography

Film

Television

Stage

Music videos

• "Shine" by Walt Mink (1993)
• "This Here Giraffe" by The Flaming Lips (1996)
• "Playground Love" by Air (2000)
• "City Girl" by Kevin Shields (2003)
• "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself" by The White Stripes (2003)
• "Chloroform" by Phoenix (2013)
• "A-Lister" by Romy Mars (2025)

Advertisements

• Miss Dior Chérie fragrance for Christian Dior starring Maryna Linchuk (2008)
• City of Light fragrance for Christian Dior starring Natalie Portman (2012)
• Marni collection for H&M starring Imogen Poots (2012)
• La vie en rose for Christian Dior fragrance Miss Dior starring Natalie Portman (2013)
• Daisy fragrance for Marc Jacobs starring Ondria Hardin, Malaika Firth, Antonia Wesseloh, and Sophia Ahrens (2013)
• Dress Normal for Gap (2014)
• Calvin Klein Underwear Women's Spring (2017)
• New York City Ballet for the 2021 Spring Gala (2021)
• Suntory Time 100th anniversary tribute for Suntory whiskey featuring Keanu Reeves (2023)
• Barrie + Sofia Coppola capsule collection for Barrie featuring Margaret Qualley (2023)

Acting Roles

Film

Television

Music videos

• "Mildred Pierce" by Sonic Youth (1990) – directed by Dave Markey
• "Deeper and Deeper" by Madonna (1992) – directed by Bobby Woods
• "Sometimes Salvation" by The Black Crowes (1992) – directed by Stéphane Sednaoui
• "Elektrobank" by The Chemical Brothers (1997) – directed by Spike Jonze
• "Funky Squaredance" by Phoenix (2002) – directed by Roman Coppola

Awards and Recognitions

Sofia Coppola has received many awards for her films. For Lost in Translation (2003), she was nominated for three Academy Awards. These were for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. She won the award for Best Original Screenplay. Her nomination for Best Director made her the first American woman and third woman overall to be nominated in that category. She is also the youngest woman ever nominated for Best Director.

Her win for Best Original Screenplay meant her family became the second to have three generations of Oscar winners. Her grandfather Carmine Coppola and father Francis Ford Coppola also won Oscars. For Lost in Translation, Sofia also won Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture and Best Screenplay. She also received nominations for BAFTA Awards.

On September 11, 2010, Sofia's film Somewhere won the Golden Lion. This is the top prize at the Venice International Film Festival. Sofia became the first American woman to win this award.

In 2016, her Christmas special A Very Murray Christmas was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. On May 28, 2017, Sofia won the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival for her film The Beguiled. This made her the second woman and first American woman to win this honor.

Books

On November 1, 2023, Sofia Coppola released a book called Archive. It is a personal collection of behind-the-scenes content from her films. The book includes scripts, photographs, and details about how each movie was made. It covers all eight of her films, including Lost in Translation (2003), Marie Antoinette (2006), Somewhere (2010), The Beguiled (2017), and Priscilla (2023). The book has 488 pages and was personally edited and annotated by Sofia herself.

See also

• Coppola family tree
• List of Academy Award–winning families