John Williams, creator of the iconic music from countless hit films including Superman, Star Wars, Jaws, E.T. and Jurassic Park, is the first composer to receive the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award. He accepted the honor Thursday (June 9, 2016) at a black-tie dinner at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre that’s set to air as a TV special set to air on TNT on June 15 at 10:00 p.m. (ET/ PT). This is the first time that the award is being given to a composer. It's fitting that Williams is the first composer to win the award considering how much of an impact he's had on the film industry.

“John Williams has written the soundtrack to our lives,” said Sir Howard Stringer, Chair, AFI Board of Trustees. “Note by note, through chord and chorus, his genius for marrying music with movies has elevated the art form to symphonic levels and inspired generations of audiences to be enriched by the magic of the movies. AFI is proud to present him with its 44th Life Achievement Award.”

John Williams’ storied career as the composer behind many of the greatest American films and television series of all time boasts over 150 credits across seven decades.

Pictured: Bryce Dallas Howard arrives at the American Film Institute's 44th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to John Williams - Photos by PRPP_PRPP / PictureLux