Los Angeles: Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg has achieved the prestigious EGOT status after winning a Grammy Award as a producer of the documentary Music by John Williams, which took home the honor for Best Music Film at the Grammy Awards.
The Grammy win adds to Spielberg’s impressive collection of accolades, which already includes three Academy Awards, four Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award for producing the Broadway musical A Strange Loop. With this latest achievement, the 79-year-old joins an elite group of just over 20 entertainers — including Audrey Hepburn, Elton John, and Whoopi Goldberg — who have earned all four major American entertainment awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
In a statement following the win, Spielberg thanked Grammy voters and collaborators, saying the recognition of Music by John Williams meant a great deal to him and his Amblin team. He praised composer John Williams, calling his influence on culture and music “immeasurable” and his legacy “unrivaled,” while also commending director Laurent Bouzereau for the film.
Spielberg, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors, became a household name with blockbuster hits such as Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List. Reflecting previously on the making of Jaws — which marked its 50th anniversary last year — Spielberg revealed he once feared the troubled production would end his career.
He recalled that the film went drastically over schedule and budget, leading many to warn him he might never be hired again. At one point, he was even offered opportunities to step away so the project could be shut down. However, the cast and crew remained committed, ultimately completing the film after a grueling 158-day shoot.
Jaws went on to become a landmark success, launching Spielberg’s career into the stratosphere and cementing his place as one of cinema’s most influential filmmakers.