Drew Barrymore and E.T.in a scene from E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982).

One of the most beloved films ever made, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial depicts the heartbreaking, hopeful encounter between a diminutive alien visitor and two distinct groups of human beings – adults and children.  The intense relationship that develops between E.T. and the young Elliott (Henry Thomas) contrasts with scientists’ pursuit of the alien; E.T.’s escape by flying bicycle has become one of cinema’s most enduring images.

The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards® and won four, including awards for John Williams’s memorable score and for the remarkable visual effects, highlighted by Carlo Rambaldi’s innovative animatronic work that brought E.T. to life.  Steven Spielberg received 2 of his 12 Oscar® nominations to date for directing and producing.  The film also showcases the comedic talents of six-year-old Drew Barrymore in just her second feature film appearance.

Cast Dee Wallace (Mary), Henry Thomas (Elliott), Peter Coyote (Keys), Robert MacNaughton (Michael), Drew Barrymore (Gertie), K.C. Martel (Greg), Sean Frye (Steve), Tom Howell (later C. Thomas Howell) (Tyler).

Directed by Steven Spielberg.  Produced by Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy.  Screenplay Melissa Mathison.  Cinematography Allen Daviau.  Film Editing Carol Littleton.  Production Design James D. Bissell.  Set Decoration Jackie Carr.  Costumes Deborah Scott.  Music John Williams.  Sound Robert Knudson, Robert Glass, Don Digirolamo, Gene Cantamessa.  Sound Effects Editing Charles L. Campbell.  E.T.’s Voice Design Ben Burtt.  Visual Effects Carlo Rambaldi, Dennis Muren, Kenneth F. Smith.  Universal Pictures.  1982.  35mm.  115 mins.  Print courtesy of Universal Studios.

Academy Award® winner: Music – Original Score (Williams), Sound (Knudson, Glass, Digirolamo, Cantamessa), Sound Effects Editing (Campbell, Burtt), Visual Effects (Rambaldi, Muren, Smith)

Academy Award nominee: Cinematography (Daviau), Directing (Spielberg), Film Editing (Littleton), Best Picture (Spielberg, Kennedy), Writing – Screenplay written directly for the screen (Mathison)