Artist John Williams honored with 2009 National Medal of Arts
John Williams, a pre-eminent composer and conductor, was honored with the 2009 National Medal of Arts – the highest honour specifically given for achievement in the arts conferred to an individual artist in the United States. The presentation took place in the East Room of the White House in Washington, with U.S. President Barack Obama bestowing the award upon him on 25 February 2010.
The gallery, titled "John Williams facts: Movie scores, family, age and awards," serves as a comprehensive collection of facts about this legendary figure in the arts. It offers a unique perspective on Williams' contributions to symphonic music for films, showcasing his award-winning scores, family members, and notable achievements.
The gallery includes 15 images, available for viewing, that provide additional insights into John Williams' personal and professional life. From his early days to his current status as a cultural icon, the gallery offers a visual representation of his illustrious career in the arts.
Among the images are those of John Williams at various stages of his life, showcasing his age, as well as pictures of his award-winning scores, family members, and notable achievements. For fans and enthusiasts of John Williams' work, the gallery likely serves as a valuable resource, offering a comprehensive look at the man behind the music.
Besides receiving the National Medal of Arts, John Williams has had an exceptionally distinguished career with many notable achievements. He has won 5 Academy Awards (Oscars) out of 54 nominations, including for Fiddler on the Roof (1971), Jaws (1975), Star Wars (1977), and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). Williams has also won 26 Grammy Awards, 7 BAFTA Awards, 5 Emmy Awards, and 4 Golden Globe Awards, highlighting his broad recognition in the music industry.
In 2004, he was honored with the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, and in 2016, he became the first composer to receive the American Film Institute (AFI) Life Achievement Award, America's highest film career honor. Williams holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations in a single category (Best Original Score) with 49 nominations as of 2025.
Throughout his career, Williams has composed some of the most iconic scores in film history, including the Star Wars saga, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter series (notably "Hedwig's Theme"), and Jaws. These achievements underscore John Williams's remarkable impact on film music and his recognition by both the film and music industries worldwide.
Explore the gallery to delve deeper into the life and career of this remarkable artist, and experience the music that has defined and inspired modern movie-going for decades.
The gallery delves into John Williams's varied accolades, displaying his multiple Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards, confirming his status as a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry. The gallery, filled with celebrity images and his award-winning scores, captures Williams's successful journey from a pre-eminent composer and conductor to a cultural icon.
