MoMA and Chanel Rolled Out the Red Carpet to Honor Steven Spielberg

It was a night full of unscripted surprises and picture-perfect moments at the Museum of Modern Art’s 18th annual Film Benefit on Thursday—fitting for an evening dedicated to the power of cinema. As stars and patrons began to take their seats, Stephen Colbert jokingly pulled out Jeff Goldblum’s chair and Martin Short embraced John Krasinski in a corner: vignettes that signaled the lighthearted and lively program to come.

As the lights dimmed, the crowd marveled as a montage showed the momentous filmography of this year’s honoree, Steven Spielberg: Jaws, Indiana Jones, West Side Story, Jurassic Park, Lincoln, and Minority Report, to name a few. Once the room was illuminated again, there was a collective gasp as the spotlight shone on Tom Cruise, one of the few names who wasn’t initially on the tip sheet for the occasion.

The actor recalled the formative and inspiring experience of watching Jaws for the first time, and cracked jokes about the less-than-desirable jobs he took solely to afford tickets to see Spielberg’s movies at the cinema. Cruise thanked the legendary director for “always being generous to [me] in films, but also being generous to [me] at home” as he, quite literally, jumped off the stage and beelined to his friend and longtime collaborator in the audience to share a long hug.

The sentimental speeches continued, with tributes from Martin Scorsese and Emily Blunt, as well as remarks from Christophe Cherix, MoMA’s David Rockefeller Director, and Rajendra Roy, MoMA’s Celeste Bartos Chief Curator of Film. “There are so many wonderful things about Steven,” Blunt said. “He listens in this beautiful way that you wonder if he’s not quite listening, but he’s capturing you.” And of course, Steve Martin and Martin Short also couldn’t let the night pass without indulging in a comedy bit, with the duo taking to the stage to deliver a hilarious introduction. By the time Ariana DeBose serenaded the room with “Somewhere” from West Side Story, the emotional roller coaster was almost complete.

As Spielberg accepted his honors, he praised MoMA’s film program and Chanel for their enduring support of the medium. He also made sure to thank Chanel for his suit, taking a moment to show off the details and the jacket’s impeccable lining. Spielberg concluded by thanking his wife, Kate Capshaw, for teaching him that “there’s more to living than what we do for a living.”

The guest list brought together Hollywood icons and newcomers alike. Drew Barrymore, who got her big break in E.T.almost 45 years ago, took her seat for dinner near comedian Marcello Hernandez, who was delighted to take a selfie with Michelle Pfeiffer. There was no shortage of those who’ve graced the screen in Spielberg’s box-office hits, either, from Ed Burns and Christopher Walken to Zoe Saldaña, Cate Blanchett, Eve Hewson, and Michelle Williams.

And just when one thought the night was winding down, Colbert stepped on stage to announce that Bruce Springsteen would be performing. After a sentimental introduction summarizing his friendship with Spielberg, The Boss launched into “Dancing in the Dark” right as dessert was served.