Spielberg, Lucas salute composer John Williams at AFI gala
LOS ANGELES >> The creator of the iconic music from “Superman,” ”Star Wars,” and “Jaws” was honored Thursday by the American Film Institute.
John Williams is the first composer to receive AFI’s Life Achievement Award. He has scored more than 100 movies and received an astounding 50 Oscar nominations.
Longtime collaborators Steven Spielberg and George Lucas were among the luminaries celebrating Williams’ career at a black-tie dinner gala set to air as a TV special Wednesday night on TNT.
Other stars toasting the composer-conductor included Drew Barrymore, Harrison Ford, Will Ferrell, Tom Hanks, JJ Abrams and Kobe Bryant.
Williams also composed the theme songs for Sunday Night Football, NBC’s “Nightly News” and the Olympics.