Renowned composer John Williams, known for his iconic soundtracks in films such as 'Jaws,' 'Star Wars,' and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' has been elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. The academy, established in 1898, is an honorary society that celebrates individuals in various artistic fields.
Williams, aged 92, joins a distinguished list of 19 inductees this year, including fellow film composer Terence Blanchard, novelist Alice McDermott, and multimedia artist Matthew Barney. The academy's president, Kwame Anthony Appiah, expressed excitement over the diverse talents represented among the new members.
Aside from his work in cinema, Williams has a rich musical career that includes conducting the Boston Pops, composing symphonies, and creating concertos for various instruments. His contributions to the world of music align with the academy's tradition of honoring excellence in the arts.
The induction process involves current members voting in new inductees, with a core membership of 300 individuals. Honorary categories exist for both U.S. and foreign artists, with notable figures like Meryl Streep and Bob Dylan among past recipients.
Other honorees this year include singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash, Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk, and architect John Tuomey. The academy also welcomed fiction writers, musicians, composers, and visual artists into its esteemed ranks.
Memberships in the academy are lifelong, and vacancies are filled as existing members pass away. The new inductees will be formally recognized at a ceremony in May, where they will be celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the arts.
