Photo Credit: Chris Devers / CC by 2.0
Sony Pictures Entertainment has honored legendary film composer John Williams, commemorating the new John Williams Music Building in Culver City.
Williams recorded over 30 scores for Sony’s Columbia Pictures in the studio’s sound recording building. The new building is also the home of the Cary Grant Theater, Foley stages, and the Barbra Streisand Scoring Stage. The lot was part of MGM during Hollywood’s Golden Age.
“The first time I came to this studio was in 1940 when my father brought me here to show me the stage,” Williams said, speaking at the ceremony. “I was about nine or ten years old, and I thought someday, this will all be mine! It’s finally come to be; and it’s only taken me 92 years!” he joked. “This is bigger than thank you; there are no words that can capture it in the English language, our language stops there. This is beyond an honor.”
John Williams is the most nominated individual in Academy Award history, with 53 across multiple categories. On hand to speak during the ceremony were directors Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams, both of whom have worked with Willliams.
“My movies would not be the same without you,” Spielberg told the composer, calling him magical. “He doesn’t just define the tone and power of a film, but elevates it into the pantheon.”
Also in attendance at the ceremony were film composer Thomas Newman, and Sony executives Tony Vinciquerra and Tom Rothman. When asked if he had any plans to retire, Williams brushed the idea aside. “My home and challenge for the next 100 years is to put in the work, make some good music, and make the next 100 years as good as the last.” Williams is best-known for scoring the Star Wars series of films, but he also lent his musical talents to more than 29 of Spielberg’s films.
