John Williams, the renowned film composer, has once again made history by receiving his 53rd Academy Award nomination for his work on The Fabelmans. This latest recognition solidifies Williams’ position as the most Oscar-nominated living person, surpassing his record.

With a career spanning over six decades, John Williams has become one of the most iconic composers in the film industry, crafting memorable and emotive scores for some of the most beloved films.

William's first nomination was in 1968 for Valley of the Dolls, and since then, he has received nominations for films such as Jaws, Star Wars, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Schindler’s List, and the Harry Potter series. Williams has also won five Academy Awards, the first being in 1972 for Fiddler on the Roof.

Williams’ latest nomination is for the score of The Fabelmans, directed by Steven Spielberg, which tells a semi-autobiographical story of the director’s childhood. The film received seven nominations in total, including best-supporting actor for Judd Hirsch, best leading actress for Michelle Williams, best directing, best picture, best production design, and best original screenplay.

Williams’ score for The Fabelmans has received critical acclaim, with many praising its ability to perfectly capture the characters' emotional journey.

Despite his impressive record of nominations, Williams has never taken his success for granted and continues to work tirelessly to create music that resonates with audiences. In a statement following his nomination, Williams said,

“I’m very grateful to the Academy for their kind recognition, and I’m enormously grateful to Steven Spielberg for offering me the opportunity to compose the score for this very special and personal film.”

Related: Steven Spielberg to Produce John Williams’ Documentary

Williams has Long History of Iconic Collaborations

Star Wars John Williams
Lucasfilm / Disney

It's worth mentioning that Williams' has a long history of working with Steven Spielberg and other directors; he has composed the music for more than 150 films, including some of the most iconic and successful films of all time, such as the Star Wars film series, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones series and Jaws and also has composed for several T.V. shows and symphony orchestras.

It's a testament to his versatility and talent that he has been able to score such a wide variety of films, and his continued success at the Academy Awards reflects his impact on the film industry. His nomination for The Fabelmans is yet another reminder of the enduring legacy of John Williams and the influential role that music plays in the film-watching experience.