John Williams, creator of the iconic music from Superman, Star Wars, Jaws, E.T. and Jurassic Park, is also the first composer to receive the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award. He accepted the honour Thursday at a black-tie dinner at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. Bryant, Ford and MacFarlane were among the stars celebrating Williams’ contributions to cinema.
Steven Spielberg presented his longtime friend and collaborator with the award.
“Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly,” Spielberg said. “Nor do brooms in Quidditch matches; nor do men in red capes. There is no Force. Dinosaurs don’t walk the Earth… You take our movies, many of them about our most impossible dreams, and through your musical genius, you make them real and everlasting for billions and billions of people.”
Spielberg: 1st time John Williams played iconic music 4 “big white shark” he thought was joking. He wasn’t. #AFILife pic.twitter.com/Q1UXPryI9M
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) 10 June 2016
John Williams entering to a standing ovation and hugs from Lucas and Spielberg at #AFILife pic.twitter.com/hL8jEL7IrB
— Mia Galuppo (@ifiwere2tweet) 10 June 2016
Williams has scored more than 100 films and received an astounding 50 Oscar nominations.
Reactions:
Was an honor to present tonight at John Williams’ AFI Lifetime Achievement Ceremony. Truly the greatest musician alive.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) 10 June 2016
Absolute honor to perform #JohnWilliams tribute @AmericanFilm Awards. Congrats John on #AFILife pic.twitter.com/GJ8AYXK0aQ
— Gustavo Dudamel (@GustavoDudamel) 10 June 2016
We celebrate the film music of JOHN WILLIAMS, the man with 5 Oscars and 50, yes 50, nominations! #AFILife @AmblinEnt pic.twitter.com/aVYwpdcTKE
— Frank Marshall (@LeDoctor) 10 June 2016
