Steven Spielberg has won his first Grammy award, making him just the 22nd artist in history to become an Egot winner — an artist with an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.
The 79-year-old won the Grammy for best music film for the documentary Music for John Williams, which he produced. Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, the film explores Williams’ seven-decade career as a composer, writing scores that have become synonymous with some of cinema’s biggest franchises: Williams has composed the score for nine of the top 25 highest-grossing films of all time at the US box office.
Spielberg and Williams’ relationship began in 1974 with Spielberg’s feature debut The Sugarland Express. Since then, they have worked together on all but five of the director’s films.
On Sunday, Spielberg said the Grammy win “means the world to me”.
“This acknowledgment is obviously deeply meaningful to me because it validates what I have known for over 50 years: John Williams influence on culture and music is immeasurable and his artistry and legacy is unrivaled. I am proud to be associated with Laurent’s beautiful film,” he said in a statement.
Becoming an Egot has been referred to as the “grand slam” of show business. Spielberg joins the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Mel Brooks, Elton John and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Only 22 people have become an Egot by winning competitive awards; six other individuals – including James Earl Jones and Liza Minnelli – have obtained Egot status through honorary awards recognising lifetime achievement, such as the Grammy legend award.
The Grammy award adds to Spielberg’s three Oscars, 12 Emmy awards and one Tony award for producing the hit Broadway show A Strange Loop.