Maestro John Williams Receives the 44th AFI Life Achievement Award [Photos]

By Beau Behan

On Thursday, June 9, 2016, John Williams became the first composer to receive an AFI Life Achievement Award at a star-studded reception, hosted by the American Film Institute— which until now had only bestowed it to either directors or actors since 1973.

Throughout his 60 years of working in films, the 84-year-old maestro has received numerous accolades for his ground-breaking film score adaptations including his five Oscars: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (1971), STAR WARS (1977), JAWS (1975), E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982) and SCHINDLER’S LIST (1993).

The red carpet evening glittered with stars. On hand to honor Williams were Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy, Harrison Ford, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Drew Barrymore, Gustavo Dudamel, Kobe Bryant, Will Ferrell, Idina Menzel, Bryce Dallas Howard, and other entertainment personalities. (The video below shows Williams and the stars on the red carpet.)

Fans of Williams’ music will soon hear his new film score backing Disney’s on-screen adaptation of “The BFG” opening in theaters on July 1, 2016.

The AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute special will return for its fourth year with Turner Broadcasting to air on TNT in late June 2016, followed by an encore presentation on its sister network, Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

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Photo By Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography