Courtesy of Academy Museum
Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg took the stage at the unveiling of the Academy Museum’s Jaws exhibition on September 10, 2025, where he humorously noted the importance of spontaneity in his presentation.
“I didn’t prepare a speech because I didn’t come prepared in 1974 to make Jaws, and it seems fitting to take that risk again,” shared the 78-year-old director with the audience gathered in the David Geffen Theater. “I’m empty-handed except for the collection of memories inspired by walking through this ingeniously assembled exhibition that features treasures from collectors around the globe.”
Inside the exhibition, attendees will find an impressive array of memorabilia, including Spielberg’s annotated script, original storyboards, and rare behind-the-scenes photographs. The exhibit is the largest dedicated to a single film in the Academy Museum’s history, showcasing not just the film’s legacy but also its profound impact on the industry.
Highlighting some unique artifacts, Spielberg remarked on a buoy that played a role in the film’s opening scene, humorously questioning how someone managed to keep it for half a century before donating it to the museum.
“How did anybody know to take the buoy, take it home and sit on it for 50 years before loaning it to the Academy? I didn’t know,” Spielberg mused.
Other exhibit highlights include:
- Production designer Joe Alves’s original concept illustrations for the shark.
- John Williams’ sheet music and sketches of the shark.
- The original clapperboard from the film.
- A Panavision underwater camera used during key filming.
- A costume worn by Roy Scheider and a mechanical shark that visitors can maneuver.
Reflecting on the arduous production journey, Spielberg recounted the numerous challenges faced during filming. “Halfway through production, I thought my career was over,” he shared, recalling the industry’s skepticism about the film’s future. “At that time, the word was that I was a liability. It drove me to give my all, fearing I’d never work in Hollywood again if the film failed.”
The production faced setbacks ranging from mechanical failures to unpredictable weather. Spielberg noted, “We shot 158 days, which was dramatically over schedule. Yet, the bravery of the crew and their commitment to see the film through was extraordinary.”
Academy Museum director Amy Homma praised Spielberg’s legacy, stating, “He has continually toppled his own achievements, a testament to work that stands the test of time.” Notably, she announced plans for a comprehensive retrospective of Spielberg’s career set for 2028.
This exhibition is more than a tribute to a film; it celebrates the collaborative spirit of cinema. As Spielberg concluded, “The film cost me a pound of flesh, but it gave me a ton of career. The success of Jaws enabled me to pursue any project I desired afterward,” a sentiment perfectly echoed in the resonant legacy of this cinematic landmark.
For detailed insights and a closer look at the exhibition, visit the Academy Museum’s official site.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.