Hollywood celebrities gathered in New York to honour the legendary filmmaker at the 2026 Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit, celebrating his remarkable career and contribution to cinema.

Steven Spielberg received a star-studded tribute as Hollywood’s biggest names, including Tom Cruise, gathered to honour the legendary filmmaker at the 2026 Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Film Benefit in New York City.

The 79-year-old director was celebrated at the Chanel-presented event on Thursday, 12 November, which attracted an impressive lineup of actors, filmmakers and industry friends.

Among the celebrities attending were Drew Barrymore, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michelle Williams, Zoe Saldaña, Cate Blanchett, Spike Lee and Jeff Goldblum.

Cruise, 64, who previously collaborated with Spielberg on Minority Report and War of the Worlds, took to the stage to honour his longtime collaborator.

“The very name evokes wonder, adventure, suspense, excitement, the anticipation of going to a theatre and knowing that you are going to experience something extraordinary,” Cruise said, according to CNN.

During his acceptance speech, Spielberg emphasised that filmmaking is a collaborative effort, crediting the countless people who contributed to his success.

“Filmmaking is collaborating, and when I get singled out on a night like this, it reminds me that I have never stood alone on any set,” he said.

He also joked that deciding what to eat at the craft services table was perhaps one of the few decisions he made independently.

Spielberg’s wife, Kate Capshaw, and stepdaughter Jessica Capshaw attended the ceremony, while Ariana DeBose delivered a special performance.

Longtime friends Steve Martin, Martin Short, Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro also joined the celebrations.