George Lucas toasts John Williams

At the 44th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to John Williams, filmmaker George Lucas toasts the composer and talks about the iconic and enduring music for the STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES films.

The Tribute took place at the Dolby Theatre on June 9, 2016 in Hollywood, California.


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[stevensarens]

"Same place where you set your camera", brilliant.

[artkub]

That speech is a proof that George Lucas is capable to write a decent monologue.

[baboom]

Music is the magic dust of movies - beautiful speech

[WeaponizedAutism]

I love how George seems like he's making it all about himself and then you realize he's dropping compliments like thermonuclear bombs

[jcsfx]

In my honest heartfelt truth i believe that john williams is the Mozart of our times... his music will live on and inspire everyone for generations to come... i'm glad he is still at work and has that young spark that makes his music seem brilliant.. thank you john for many emotions i have felt in movies right when the proper notes hit the center of my heart.

[tektoniks_architects]

The contributions of Williams, Lucas, and Spielberg to popular culture are immeasurable.

[slothfromthegoonies]

I often wonder what George Lucas would look like without a beard.

[MINDxWORM]

Fun fact: this whole scene was actually filmed without George there. Everyone was laughing and clapping at random times. George was digitally inserted in post production.

[justinmacarrhur]

People don't realise what a wonderful person Lucas is to say these things.

[drlupe]

Without John Williams, Star Wars remains a movie for ten year olds. With him, well, here we are over 40 years later and Star Wars remaining one of the best movie franchises ever

[dirtyharry]

I´m really sick of these fanboys everywhere...Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Williams...they are LEGENDS.
These guys realized much more than any frustrated fanboy here could do in his lifetime.

[masterxl]

John Williams is probably the most beloved and respected living person in Hollywood.

[E_Clip]

Thats probably one of the best compliments i've ever heard: composer first, all the rest later.

[incapablecookie]

What many do not understand is that the great composers of the past, such as Mozart, were writing pieces of their own period - not looking back at their predecessors. Just as Mozart created music for operas, Williams makes music for films. They made music for the media of their time. With that it mind, it is safe to say that Williams is truly one of the best composers in our era.

[ZukoHalliwell]

When they first announced that John Williams would be composing the Star Wars sequel trilogy, I was so relieved. Disney may be able to make a Star Wars movie without George Lucas, but they could never make a Star Wars movie without John Williams.

[slyguythreeonetwonine]

Star Wars, Superman: The Movie, Indiana Jones: Movies I loved to death as a kid. I liked the music when I was a kid, but being a kid, I didn't appreciate it to it's fullest extent. But now that I am much older, many pieces of music from those movies damn near movie me to tears. And I am not a guy who is moved to tears, or even moved emotionally very easily. But sitting and watching the opening to Star Wars, or Superman, or Indi, brings a joy to me that few things in life ever have. Hearing the music when Superman and Lois first fly together warms my heart like nothing on Earth ever has. I don't think it's a stretch to say, these movies wouldn't be half as good, had anyone else been at the helm of the composition of music. They don't make movies like they used to, and they sure as hell don't compose music in movies at all anymore. It's such a shame that an integral piece of movie magic has been completely lost to an entire generation of young movie going dreamers. In fact it breaks my heart knowing these kids will not have what I had when I was a kid in that regard, and I hate kids.

Thanks Mr. Williams for all the memories and emotions your music has invoked throughout your career. I know my life would be far darker, had it not been for them. Thank you sir.

[Daryl_Phillips_]

It’s John Williams birthday today. Great composer! 89!

[Megalith]

There’s so many really solid composers out there, one of my personal favorites is Hans Zimmer. His “No Time for Caution” from Interstellar, opening day, in the IMAX was unforgettable. But John Williams is like the Yoda to his Mace Windu; there is none sitting atop him. John Williams is the apex pinnacle of the modern eras musical talent.
The Imperial March is Unanimously recognized across our globe as the most recognizable piece of music in existence, and for good reason. I could make several long-ass paragraphs praising this man and the musical genius he brings to the table, and the impact of his music over the course of my life. But I’ll shorten it down to simply saying he, and his music, “captured the imagination - of the entire planet.” That is an accolade less than a handful of people, in the history of people, can say they’ve accomplished.
To John Williams, we honor, and salute thee.

[slionscricket]

Thank you SO MUCH for putting this up! John Williams is an absolute legend of the cinematic art form and this Life Achievement Award is LONG overdue.

[tae-yunlee]

Seeing the respect between these masters of their crafts, brings warm feelings to my heart