Al Pacino Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Dog Day Afternoon With American Cinematheque Crowd, and Picks Surprise Favorite Roles From His Career
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Al Pacino is undeniably one of the most iconic figures in cinema history. His career spans more than five decades, and over the years, he has crafted a legacy that includes some of the most memorable performances in Hollywood. One of his most beloved films, Dog Day Afternoon, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, marking half a century since the movie first captivated audiences with its compelling story and unforgettable performances.
The anniversary was an occasion for Al Pacino to reflect on his storied career and his role in Dog Day Afternoon, a film that many consider a pinnacle of his early work. In an event organized by American Cinematheque, Pacino was celebrated not just for the movie’s remarkable achievement but also for his overall contribution to the world of film. The crowd, made up of cinephiles, journalists, and film buffs, eagerly gathered to celebrate the film’s enduring impact.
During the celebration, Pacino reflected on his career, sharing personal anecdotes and discussing his experiences working on films that had shaped him as an actor. As the evening progressed, the legendary actor was asked about his favorite roles from his vast career—a question that seemed straightforward but yielded some surprising answers. What emerged was a look at the breadth of Pacino’s career, from his most iconic roles to the films he considers deeply personal.
In this article, we dive deep into the 50th-anniversary celebration of Dog Day Afternoon, explore the lasting legacy of the film, and examine the surprising and sometimes unexpected roles that Pacino considers his personal favorites.
Dog Day Afternoon: A Masterclass in Acting and Filmmaking Al Pacino Celebrates
Released in 1975, Dog Day Afternoon was directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Frank Pierson. The film is based on a true story about a bank robbery gone wrong, featuring Pacino in the role of Sonny Wortzik, a man attempting to rob a bank to pay for his lover’s sex reassignment surgery. What begins as a desperate attempt to solve a personal crisis escalates into a media circus, as Sonny becomes a hostage-taker and the police, along with a growing crowd of onlookers, watch from outside.
The film was an immediate critical and commercial success, with Pacino’s performance being hailed as one of the finest in his early career. His portrayal of Sonny was raw, emotional, and filled with a palpable sense of tension. Pacino was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance, cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s leading actors.
In a moment of introspection at the anniversary event, Pacino reflected on the film’s impact on both his career and the world of cinema. He shared how the film’s exploration of themes like love, identity, and social isolation resonated deeply with him. He recalled the experience of working with Lumet and the rest of the cast, noting that the film’s success was not just about his performance, but also the collaborative energy on set. “Sidney [Lumet] had this incredible ability to create an atmosphere of truth,” Pacino said. “You felt the reality of the situation, and that made it easier to immerse yourself in the character of Sonny.”
Despite its success, Pacino admitted that he never expected Dog Day Afternoon to have the lasting impact that it did. “We knew we were making something special, but you never know how these things will be received or how they’ll hold up over time,” he said. “It’s humbling to see that Dog Day is still loved by audiences, and that it remains such an important film in American cinema.”
The anniversary screening was followed by a Q&A session, where Pacino answered questions from the audience, some of whom had grown up watching Dog Day Afternoon and others who were just now discovering it. The film’s themes of alienation and the complexities of human relationships struck a chord with both new and longtime fans, and many attendees expressed their admiration for Pacino’s intense and transformative performance.
The Surprising Favorite Roles of Al Pacino Al Pacino Celebrates
While Pacino’s portrayal of Sonny in Dog Day Afternoon is undoubtedly one of the defining roles of his career, the actor surprised many in the audience when he revealed some of his lesser-known favorite roles.
1. The Insider (1999)
One of the most surprising choices Pacino mentioned was his role in The Insider, a film directed by Michael Mann. The movie tells the true story of Jeffrey Wigand, a whistleblower in the tobacco industry, and his relationship with journalist Lowell Bergman, played by Pacino. Pacino’s portrayal of the driven journalist was nuanced and far from his usual larger-than-life characters, but it was one of the most compelling performances of his career.
“I think The Insider is one of the films I’m most proud of,” Pacino said, to the surprise of many in the audience. “It’s a film that speaks to the importance of truth and the moral dilemmas we all face. It’s a quieter, more introspective role, and I really enjoyed playing someone who was willing to risk everything for the greater good.”
Despite the film’s critical acclaim, The Insider was overshadowed by other films in 1999, which led to the film not achieving the level of commercial success it deserved. However, Pacino’s performance in the movie has since gained recognition for its complexity and subtlety.
2. Serpico (1973)
Another unexpected pick for Pacino was his performance in Serpico, a 1973 film directed by Sidney Lumet. In this movie, Pacino played Frank Serpico, a real-life New York City cop who blew the whistle on police corruption. The film marked a significant turning point in Pacino’s career, establishing him as one of the finest actors of his generation. His portrayal of Serpico’s moral struggle and personal turmoil resonated deeply with audiences.
“Serpico was such a special project because it was one of the first times I really felt like I could take on a character who was so morally complex,” Pacino explained. “Frank Serpico was a man who was trying to stay true to his principles in a system that was entirely corrupt, and that’s something I connected with on a personal level.”
The role of Serpico earned Pacino his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, and the film’s success cemented his place in Hollywood.
3. Donnie Brasco (1997)
Many fans would expect Pacino to cite his role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather series as one of his favorite performances, but surprisingly, he named his role as Lefty Ruggiero in Donnie Brasco as another standout from his career. In this 1997 film, Pacino played an aging mobster who takes a younger FBI agent (played by Johnny Depp) under his wing, unaware that the agent is working undercover to bring down his crime family.
“Donnie Brasco was such a rewarding role,” Pacino reflected. “It was a more understated performance compared to some of my other mob-related roles, but it was one that really challenged me as an actor. Lefty was a man who had lived a life full of regret and was coming to terms with the reality of his situation, and that was a powerful character to play.”
Although Donnie Brasco wasn’t a box office juggernaut, it has since become a beloved classic, and Pacino’s portrayal of Lefty is often regarded as one of his most emotionally resonant roles.
4. Scent of a Woman (1992)
Finally, one of Pacino’s most iconic performances—his Oscar-winning role in Scent of a Woman—made the list of his favorite roles. In this film, Pacino played a blind, retired Army officer named Frank Slade, who embarks on a life-changing trip with a young college student, played by Chris O’Donnell. Pacino’s performance as the sharp-tongued, deeply troubled Frank Slade earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
“This film is very close to my heart,” Pacino admitted. “Frank Slade is a man who has been through a lot in life, and he’s struggling to find meaning in his existence. I loved playing him because he was such a rich character, and the film has such a powerful emotional core. It was a real gift to work on that one.”
The performance remains one of Pacino’s most memorable, particularly the famous tango scene, which has become an iconic moment in film history.
Reflecting on the Legacy of Dog Day Afternoon Al Pacino Celebrates
As the event wrapped up, Pacino turned his attention back to Dog Day Afternoon, reflecting on the film’s enduring legacy. “The movie has taken on a life of its own over the years, and it’s amazing to see how it still resonates with audiences today,” he said. “It’s a film that has so much heart, and I think that’s why people keep coming back to it. It’s not just about the heist—it’s about human nature, about desperation, and about love in its purest form.”
The film’s 50th anniversary celebration was a reminder not only of Pacino’s incredible career but also of the lasting impact of a film that still holds up as one of the best of the 1970s. As Pacino stood on stage, surrounded by fans, filmmakers, and fellow actors, it was clear that Dog Day Afternoon would always hold a special place in the annals of cinema history—and in Pacino’s heart.
In the end, the evening served as a testament to the profound effect that Dog Day Afternoon had on both Pacino’s career and the larger world of filmmaking. With his surprising selections of favorite roles, Pacino reminded everyone that his career is defined not just by his iconic performances but also by the deep emotional connection he brings to each and every character he portrays.
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