NEW YORK — Steven Spielberg had a special reason to celebrate on Thursday night as the legendary filmmaker received a major tribute at the Museum of Modern Art’s 18th annual Film Benefit, with his wife, actress Kate Capshaw, by his side for the occasion.
The star-studded event, held on November 12, 2026, in New York City and presented in partnership with CHANEL, brought together some of the biggest names in film to recognise Spielberg’s extraordinary contribution to cinema. The evening featured a red carpet, dinner and a programme celebrating a career that has shaped generations of moviegoers.
A Career Celebrated By Hollywood
Spielberg’s recognition at MoMA reflects more than five decades of filmmaking across blockbuster entertainment, science fiction, adventure and historical drama. His celebrated body of work includes Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the Indiana Jones films, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Lincoln and The Fabelmans.
In its announcement, MoMA described Spielberg as one of the most successful and influential filmmakers in history, noting that he has directed more than 35 feature films and earned three Academy Awards. The museum also highlighted his record of 14 Best Picture nominations as a producer.
Spielberg Says His Passion For Filmmaking Remains Strong
Speaking to The Associated Press before the gala, Spielberg reflected on how his enthusiasm for making films has endured since childhood. He said he still has the excitement he felt at 12, when he made small Western movies with an 8mm camera at home.
The filmmaker also used his acceptance speech to acknowledge the collaborative nature of cinema. He said being singled out for recognition felt unusual because filmmaking is a collective effort, adding that he had never stood alone throughout his career.
The AP reported that the tribute included a surprise appearance by Tom Cruise, alongside contributions from Emily Blunt, Steve Martin and longtime Spielberg friend Martin Scorsese. Ariana DeBose performed “Somewhere” from Spielberg’s West Side Story, while Bruce Springsteen delivered an acoustic performance of “Dancing in the Dark.”
Kate Capshaw Stands Alongside Her Husband
Capshaw’s presence added a personal touch to the celebration. The actress, best known to many film fans for playing Willie Scott in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, has been married to Spielberg since 1991. Their relationship has spanned decades of professional milestones, family life and public appearances at major film and cultural events.
The couple’s appearance at an evening honouring Spielberg also highlighted the importance of the personal relationships and creative partnerships that have accompanied his long career. While the benefit focused on his achievements as a director and producer, the occasion was also a celebration shared with family, friends and fellow artists.
MoMA Benefit Supports Film Preservation
Beyond the celebrity gathering, the annual Film Benefit serves an important cultural purpose. MoMA said proceeds from the 2026 event support the Debra and Leon Black Family Film Center and the museum’s Department of Film, helping fund acquisitions, preservation and film exhibitions.
The museum’s Department of Film organises hundreds of public screenings each year and works to preserve important works from cinema history. The tribute to Spielberg therefore connected the director’s legacy with the wider effort to protect and present films for future generations.
For Spielberg, the honour recognises a rare career that has combined popular appeal with artistic ambition. For Capshaw and the many colleagues who joined the celebration, it was an opportunity to acknowledge the filmmaker whose stories have left a lasting mark on global cinema.
Photo note: The image used in this article is an archival photograph from the 1995 Emmy Awards, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0. It is not a photograph from the November 12, 2026 MoMA Film Benefit. Photo by Alan Light via Wikimedia Commons.
Sources: The Museum of Modern Art; The Associated Press; MoMA Press.