Will Ferrell Pays Special Tribute to John Williams at AFI Award Ceremony

The American Film Institute honored legendary composer John Williams with its 44th Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony in Los Angeles on June 9, which was aired Wednesday on TNT.

From AFI.com: “The selection criteria states that ‘the recipient should be one whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film art; whose accomplishment has been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers and the general public; and whose work has stood the test of time.’”

Will Ferrell opened the show wearing a tuxedo and white gloves and holding a baton, and proceeded to “conduct” the theme to “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Looking for audience participation in the form of singers, he found Harrison Ford and Drew Barrymore, neither of whom were helpful. A delightful Cloris Leachman pleaded with him to let her sing, and when he finally agreed, she gave it her best. But her best was nothing in comparison to who was waiting next: Elsa herself — Broadway and “Frozen” star Idina Menzel.

Throughout the show, the camera cut away to John Williams, showing the award recipient was delighted by the whole affair.

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Will Ferrell sings about his tight pants with Jimmy Fallon on ‘The Tonight Show.’