Spielberg and Howard celebrate John Williams at AFI Fest premiere
Honoring a legendary collaboration
The AFI Fest 2025 opened in splendid fashion at the TCL Chinese Theatre, marking a historic moment for the annual film festival. Enlivening the evening, Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard took center stage to introduce “Music by John Williams”, a documentary that profiles the life and career of the iconic composer John Williams.
A milestone for AFI Fest
“Opening the AFI Festival with a documentary is unprecedented,” Spielberg remarked, expressing gratitude towards the AFI board for their groundbreaking decision. He emphasized the significance of giving the documentary form its rightful prominence alongside narrative cinema.
Spielberg and Williams’ legacy together
For Spielberg, the event was also deeply personal. John Williams has scored 29 of his films, starting with The Sugarland Express and including his latest, The Fabelmans. “Music by John Williams” is their 30th collaboration in essence, with Spielberg both producing and serving as the primary interviewee.
“I love John much more than just a family friend—he’s a family member,” Spielberg declared. Celebrating their 52-year partnership, he underscored that Williams is the greatest creative partner he has ever had. This sentiment resounded throughout Spielberg’s heartfelt introduction, highlighting Williams’ unparalleled contribution to his films.
Ron Howard’s tribute and backstory
Ron Howard, another producer of the documentary, joined Spielberg on stage, sharing his own experiences with Williams. Drawing laughter and applause from the audience, Howard fondly recalled working with Williams on the 1962 film The Music Man. As a testament to their long history, he even sang a snippet from the song “The Wells Fargo Wagon”.
The screening of the Laurent Bouzereau-directed documentary was the result of a collaboration between Lucasfilm Ltd, Amblin Documentaries, and Imagine Documentaries. Set for a limited theatrical run in major cities before its Disney+ release, the documentary enjoyed a star-studded premiere, with guests including J.J. Abrams, Gustavo Dudamel, Alan Silvestri, Diane Warren, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Williams’ daughter, Jenny.
A deeper look at John Williams’ impact
Howard reflected on Williams’ extensive career, noting his role in a 1950s Kraft Theater episode that starred Howard’s father, Rance. This anecdote highlighted how Williams’ influence spanned decades, reaching far beyond his well-known scores. “He’s a very complex figure…humble, yet brilliant. He’s a genius, kind, and driven as an artist,” Howard remarked, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of Williams’ artistry captured in Bouzereau’s film.
Spielberg’s appreciation for Bouzereau
Spielberg praised Bouzereau for his evolution as a filmmaker. From his humble beginnings in B-roll production to creating significant documentaries like Faye about Faye Dunaway, Bouzereau’s journey to directing “Music by John Williams” was recognized as a remarkable achievement.
The power of film scoring
Reflecting on the magic of film scoring, Spielberg shared an insightful demonstration he often performed with Williams. Presenting scenes with and without music, he illustrated how Williams’ compositions transform cinematic experiences. “That is the consistent miracle of John Williams,” Spielberg concluded, emphasizing how Williams’ music elevates films to unforgettable heights.
Continuing Williams’ musical legacy
Spielberg also reminisced about their fundraising concerts held over seven years, showcasing film music from iconic scenes like the opening of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. He noted that without Williams’ music, these scenes felt incomplete, taking much longer to evoke the intended emotion and thrill. With Williams conducting, the same scenes became captivating and timeless.
Celebrating an enduring partnership
The premiere of “Music by John Williams” was more than just a tribute; it was a celebration of a monumental partnership that has shaped cinema for over five decades. Williams’ extraordinary ability to create memorable and emotive scores was a testament to his genius.
As the red carpet wound down and the night came to an end, the recognition of John Williams’ legacy reverberated through the hearts of attendees. Spielberg and Howard’s homage to their legendary collaborator highlighted how Williams’ music continues to resonate, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of film.
Stay tuned for more insights into the world of cinema, and don’t forget to share this celebration of John Williams’ legacy with your friends and fellow film enthusiasts.