Spielberg celebrates enduring passion for cinema at MoMA gala

Steven Spielberg attended the Museum of Modern Art's annual film benefit in New York on Thursday, where he was honored for his decades of influential work in the film industry. The 79-year-old director expressed that his initial excitement for creating movies remains as strong as it was when he was a young boy.

Speaking to The Associated Press at the event, Spielberg recalled making 8 mm Westerns at home when he was 12 years old. He noted that while he has grown older, the enthusiasm that drove him in those early years has never faded. This sentiment underscores the enduring nature of his creative drive despite a long and distinguished career.

The recognition from MoMA holds a special place in Spielberg's heart because the museum was among the first institutions to acknowledge film as a legitimate art form in the mid-1930s. He emphasized that this distinction moved beyond viewing cinema as a mere technological novelty or a concession, establishing it instead as a serious artistic medium.

Throughout his career, Spielberg has directed more than 35 feature films that span various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, and historical drama. His filmography includes iconic titles such as Jaws, Jurassic Park, and the Indiana Jones series, as well as profound narratives like Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List. The latter earned three Academy Awards in 1994, including the award for best director.

Spielberg described his approach to selecting projects as intuitive rather than genre-driven. He often finds that stories arrive unexpectedly. He cited the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as an example of an idea that came to him out of the blue. The movie, which depicts a boy befriends a stranded alien, became a cultural phenomenon and one of his most recognized works.

The director compared his creative process to that of a chameleon, adapting his style to fit the specific environment of each story. He expressed admiration for directors who consistently bring fresh perspectives to their work rather than repeating the same style repeatedly. This desire for variety continues to influence his choices in filmmaking.

The evening featured a star-studded guest list, including Robert De Niro, Michelle Williams, Drew Barrymore, Emily Blunt, and John Krasinski. Spielberg's close friend Martin Scorsese was also present. In a rainy New York evening scene, Spielberg greeted Scorsese with a warm embrace upon his arrival at the venue.

The program included a surprise appearance by Tom Cruise and a tribute segment featuring Emily Blunt, Steve Martin, and Martin Scorsese. Performers included Ariana DeBose, who sang from West Side Story, and Bruce Springsteen, who delivered an acoustic rendition of Dancing in the Dark. The event serves to raise funds for the preservation and acquisition of MoMA's film collection, with Chanel sponsoring the benefit since 2011.

In his acceptance speech, Spielberg highlighted the collaborative essence of filmmaking. He stated that standing alone on stage felt incorrect because the medium is inherently a group effort. He noted that being singled out on such an occasion served as a reminder that he has never truly stood alone in his professional journey, acknowledging the many people who have shared in his experiences.