John Williams: A Pivotal Moment in His Life and Work

Oscar-winning composer John Williams at the Academy event "Behind the Score: The Art of the Film Composer" at LACMA's Bing Theater on July 21, 2014.
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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world's preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards-in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners-the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.

[@deanwalker1490]

Certainly one of the greatest men to ever walk this Earth

[@lukeskywalker6809]

Absolutely true.

[@connorbowen6053]

"whatever small gift I may have been given"...so modest

[@JoshPowlison]

I'd never heard John Williams speak before, but hearing him gives me a respect for him I hadn't had.

[@averybaxter9521]

It’s weird to think that this guys scores are our childhood and some of the most recognisable theme songs of all time , Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic park, jaws, ET, Indiana Jones, superman and more what a dude

[@jeffswim]

I wonder if that moment was the sudden death of his wife Barbara Ruick in 1974. That was the year before his career really took off with "Jaws," so I agree with him that it was a blessing in disguise.

[@frbritton]

I believe you're correct, Jeff.

[@UFOSPACE1999]

Williams had already won an Oscar for Fiddler on a Roof. And had been nominated several times, The Reivers, Images, The Poseidon Adventure, Valley of the Dolls, Goodbye Mr. Chips, Cinderalla Liberty. Then came The Towering Inferno, and Jaws in 1975. In 1974 Spielberg and Williams Connected with The Sugarland Express. The Rest is History.

[@frbritton]

UFOSPACE1999 you're correct there; I meant to clarify that Jeff was correct about Barbara Ruick.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

But the Oscar for Fiddler was not for composing but for editing and re-orchestrating existing music.

[@navidhendrix]

Jeff you are correct. It was.

[@theempire00]

A genius

[@MsLm97]

in awe............

[@jjphoenix4055]

This man has been deserving an HONORARY OSCAR for decades now. What are you waiting AMPAS????????? And if you do it at some point, don't be ridiculous and put it in the main broadcast. Otherwise you will only show your endless ignorance. Concert halls worldwide are filled with young people attending to John Williams concerts.

[@deanouellette1868]

1:14 He's referring to the sudden death of his wife Barbara Ruick in 1974. But it feels slightly odd to me he doesn't reference her by name...

[@DonLuisZavala]

Her death was so impactful and shattering, it's not something he feels comfortable discussing in public. He is also a very private person. He would rather much talk about music than his life.