When a composer with five Oscars and 54 Oscar nominations says, “I never liked film music very much,” it stops the conversation. In a rare interview quoted Aug 24–26, 2025, John Williams called much film scoring “ephemeral” and said it rarely reaches concert‑hall stature. The remark—lifted from a forthcoming biography—has reignited debate over art versus craft in movies, pitting classical purists, film fans and critics against one another. Here’s the verbatim line, the immediate reaction, and what the numbers tell us about why one sentence landed so hard.
5 Quick Facts You Need Right Now About His Remark
What To Know —
- John Williams, 93, Told A Biographer He “never liked film music very much” (Aug 24–26, 2025).
- He Described Film Music As “ephemeral” And “fragmentary,” Not Concert‑Ready.
- Williams Has 5 Oscars And 54 Oscar Nominations, Giving Weight To The Comment.
- The Quote Appeared In Tim Greiving’s Upcoming Biography; Media Picked It Up Aug 24–26.
- Reaction Split: Critics Defend His Honesty; Fans Call The Line Surprising And Provocative.
The Exact Quote That Sparked A Wave Of Reaction On Aug 24–26, 2025
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John Williams’s line is short and blunt: “I never liked film music very much.” He then expanded: “Film music, however good it can be—and it usually isn’t, other than maybe an eight‑minute stretch here and there… I just think the music isn’t there.” That verbatim passage appears in his interview with Tim Greiving for a new biography and was reported by major outlets Aug 24–26, 2025. The remark reads as both self‑critique and a swipe at the medium; because it comes from a figure defined by blockbuster scores, it immediately became headline news and conversation fuel across outlets and social platforms.
John Williams Says He 'Never Liked Film Music Very Much' https://t.co/gBGTeCRaQp
— Variety (@Variety) August 27, 2025
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Responses split almost immediately into two camps. One side treats the comment as humility from a master who knows the gap between concert repertoire and functional film cues; critics argue Williams is diagnosing a widespread industry reality. The other side—fans, orchestral players and many film scholars—see it as an unexpected dismissal coming from someone whose themes (Star Wars, Jaws, Jurassic Park) are foundational to modern cinema. Because Williams’s work has become cultural shorthand, his denigration of the form felt personal to many listeners. That polarization played out in opinion columns, threads, and broadcasts where commentators debated whether Williams’s view undermines the artistic legitimacy of film scoring or simply reflects his unique standards.
https://twitter.com/CultureCrave/status/1960481520336167102
The Key Numbers That Put This One Quote In Context
| Metric | Value | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 93 years | Veteran voice with decades of influence |
| Oscar Wins | 5 | Highest recognition for film composing |
| Oscar Nominations | 54 | Most‑nominated living composer |
Summary: Legendary status (age, awards) amplifies the shock and weight of his dismissal.
Who John Williams Is And Why One Line Resonates With Millions
John Williams is not a casual observer: his scores have shaped blockbuster sound for six decades. That pedigree means his critique is treated less like gossip and more like a professional judgement. When a figure with 54 nominations and a career spanning concert works and movie epics calls film scoring “fragmentary,” institutions (orchestras, festivals, conservatories) and studios take notice. Practically, the remark may prompt renewed interest in restoring full film scores for concert performance, or provoke film composers to publicly defend the craft. Culturally, it forces a reexamination: is film music a separate, valid art form or primarily a functional, collaborative tool?
John Williams’s terse confession—“I never liked film music very much”—is small in words but large in consequence because of who said it. The reaction reveals as much about audiences’ attachment to cinematic themes as it does about debates over artistic hierarchy. Expect more commentary, interviews and perhaps a push to reframe film scores for concert life.
Sources
- https://variety.com/2025/film/news/john-williams-never-liked-film-music-1236499212/
- https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/aug/24/composer-john-williams-never-liked-film-music-very-much
- https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/film-tv-music-news/does-john-williams-really-dislike-film-music-1236355127/
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Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.