**Credit: Jonathan P. Moustakas / The Cinema Group**

An Evening of Nostalgia and Timeless Cinema

Steven Spielberg and Drew Barrymore Illuminate E.T.’s Legacy at 92NY

On January 25, 2025, the Kaufmann Concert Hall at 92NY became the epicenter of cinematic celebration and nostalgia as the TCM Classic Film Festival’s New York Pop-Up x 92NY event paid tribute to one of the most beloved films in Hollywood history, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). Initially set to feature a conversation with Meryl Streep and a 40th-anniversary screening of Out of Africa, the program was reimagined due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which disrupted travel and schedules. In its place, the evening pivoted to an equally monumental and emotionally resonant event: Steven Spielberg and Drew Barrymore, reunited on stage, reflecting on their timeless collaboration in E.T.with TCM host Dave Karger.

The sold-out crowd was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear firsthand from the legendary filmmaker and the beloved actress about the creation of a movie that has transcended generations. This was Spielberg’s first-ever appearance at 92NY, and the weight of the occasion was not lost on the audience, who buzzed with excitement long before the event began. Barrymore, who starred as the unforgettable Gertie at just six years old, was introduced as a key figure in the film’s emotional legacy, while Spielberg, a director synonymous with cinematic magic, delved into the deeply personal origins of the story.

The evening began with an illuminating conversation moderated by Karger, who guided the duo through the behind-the-scenes journey of creating E.T. Spielberg shared how his parents’ divorce inspired the heart of the story—a tale of loneliness, empathy, and connection. Drawing parallels between E.T. and his later semi-autobiographical film The Fabelmans (2022), he revealed how the alien at the center of the story was born from his childhood imagination, conceived as an imaginary friend to help him cope with feelings of isolation. “E.T. was never just a film for me—it was a reflection of my own life, my family, and my desire to find connection during a difficult time,” Spielberg told the audience.

Barrymore delighted attendees with her heartfelt anecdotes, recounting how Spielberg gave her the first major role of her career, an opportunity that she said “completely changed my life.” She shared stories of her six-year-old self navigating the set, including moments of improvisation that made it into the final cut, such as her iconic line, “I don’t like his feet.” Her infectious enthusiasm lit up the room as she recounted her awe at the glowing effect of E.T.’s finger and her fascination with the mechanics behind the bike-riding scenes.

The emotional weight of the evening deepened as both Spielberg and Barrymore reflected on the film’s enduring legacy, particularly through the eyes of their own children and grandchildren. Spielberg, who has seven children and eight grandchildren, shared how he would warn the younger ones about E.T.’s first appearance on-screen, knowing the alien’s unusual look could initially frighten them. “Once they got over the initial scare, though,” he said with a laugh, “they couldn’t get enough of him.” Barrymore added that her daughters, Frankie and Olive, have seen E.T. more times than any of her other films, a fact that fills her with pride and a sense of connection to her childhood.

The event culminated in a pristine 4K screening of E.T., introduced by Spielberg himself, who revealed that, while he rarely watches his own movies, E.T. is an exception. He shared that he often revisits the film without sound while overseeing remastering for newer formats like 4K and 8K. “Even after all these years, I find new things in the film,” he reflected. The audience sat in rapt attention as the beautifully restored version unfolded on the big screen, reminding everyone why E.T. remains a masterpiece of storytelling, emotion, and innovation.

For those in attendance, the evening was far more than a nostalgic look back; it was a celebration of cinema’s unique ability to unite generations and speak to universal truths. Spielberg emphasized the film’s enduring relevance, noting that themes of empathy, friendship, and family continue to resonate with audiences across the world. “E.T. wasn’t just a movie—it was a moment,” he said.

Barrymore echoed this sentiment, expressing her gratitude for being part of such a monumental film and for the lifelong friendship she shares with Spielberg. “Steven didn’t just change my life; he shaped it,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Behind the Scenes of E.T.

The conversation delved into the challenges and triumphs of bringing E.T. to life. Spielberg shared insights into the groundbreaking practical effects that made the alien so memorable, including the glowing finger and animatronics that were revolutionary for their time. He also praised John Williams’ now-iconic score, which Spielberg credited as being integral to the film’s emotional resonance.

Barrymore delighted the audience with anecdotes from her time on set as a precocious six-year-old. She spoke about her fascination with the glowing finger effect and the bike-riding scenes, which she admitted felt like real magic. “It wasn’t just a movie for me—it was a whole world,” Barrymore said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

To the audience’s delight, Spielberg and Barrymore also reminisced about a particularly memorable improvised moment when young Drew blurted out, “I don’t like his feet,” a line that made it into the final cut. “Drew had such natural instincts, even at six,” Spielberg said. “She brought so much authenticity to Gertie.”

A Full-Circle Moment

For Spielberg and Barrymore, the evening was a poignant reflection on how E.T. has shaped their lives and careers. Barrymore noted that her daughters, Frankie and Olive, are now the same ages she and her on-screen brother, Elliott (played by Henry Thomas), were during production.

“Watching E.T. with my daughters is surreal,” Barrymore said. “They’re seeing it with fresh eyes, but it also feels like a bridge to my past. It’s a full-circle moment.” Spielberg, a father of seven and grandfather of eight, shared a similar sentiment, recounting how he often prepares younger family members for E.T.’s appearance. “Kids tend to get a little scared at first,” he said. “I always tell them, ‘He’s funny-looking, but he’s kind.’”

The Emotional Core of E.T.

Spielberg revealed that E.T. was born out of a deeply personal desire to process his parents’ divorce. “I wanted to tell a story about connection and loss—what it feels like when your family is torn apart,” he shared, noting the parallels between E.T. and the semi-autobiographical themes in his more recent film, The Fabelmans.

This emotional core, Spielberg noted, is why the film continues to resonate across generations. “It’s about holding onto love and connection, even when it feels like everything is falling apart,” he said.

A Legacy That Resonates

The conversation turned poignant as Spielberg and Barrymore reflected on how E.T. continues to impact their lives, particularly through their families. Spielberg, a father of seven and grandfather of eight, shared how he prepares younger family members for E.T.’s unusual appearance. “Kids tend to get a little scared of him at first,” he said, smiling. “I always tell them, ‘He’s funny-looking, but he’s kind.’” Barrymore added that her daughters, Frankie and Olive, have watched E.T. more than any of her other films. “It’s surreal to see my kids connect with something that was such a huge part of my childhood. It feels like a full-circle moment.”

Spielberg revealed that he has revisited E.T. more frequently than any of his other films, though often without sound. “When I’m upscaling the visuals for formats like 4K or 8K, I’ll watch to make sure everything looks perfect. But I rarely listen to the audio—it’s just too emotional for me,” he admitted.

A Celebration of Craft

The duo also discussed the groundbreaking practical effects that brought E.T. to life, from the glowing finger to the animatronics that were revolutionary at the time. Spielberg credited John Williams’ iconic score for amplifying the film’s emotional depth. “The music is as much a character in the film as E.T. himself,” Spielberg remarked.

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Barrymore’s anecdotes revealed the lighter side of the production, from her fascination with the bike-riding scenes to her admiration for co-star Henry Thomas, who played her on-screen brother Elliott. She described how the cast and crew became like a family during production, saying, “There was so much heart in every moment on set. You could feel that this was something special.”

Full-Circle Reflections

Spielberg and Barrymore’s reunion at 92NY was more than a nostalgic look back; it was a testament to the collaborative magic that created one of Hollywood’s most beloved films. “E.T. wasn’t just a movie—it was a moment,” Spielberg said, emphasizing the film’s ongoing relevance.

Barrymore, reflecting on the event’s emotional weight, expressed her gratitude to Spielberg for giving her her first major role. “Steven didn’t just give me a job—he gave me a world to belong to,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.

As the credits rolled on the beautifully restored E.T., the audience erupted into applause, a fitting end to an evening that celebrated not only the legacy of a cinematic masterpiece but also the enduring bonds between those who brought it to life.

A Stunning Restoration

Following the conversation, the audience was treated to a pristine 4K screening of E.T., introduced by Spielberg himself. The restored version brought renewed vibrancy to the classic film, with the same emotional resonance that has captivated audiences for over four decades. “Every part of this film still resonates,” Spielberg said.

As the lights dimmed and the iconic story of Elliott and his alien friend unfolded, the audience was reminded of the enduring power of cinema to connect generations and speak to universal truths.

A Timeless Collaboration

As the event came to a close, Barrymore expressed her gratitude to Spielberg for giving her her first job on a movie set. “Steven didn’t just give me a role; he gave me a world to belong to,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.

As the credits rolled, the audience erupted in applause, a testament to the film’s timeless power. The night at Kaufmann Concert Hall not only honored the legacy of E.T. but also served as a poignant reminder of the magic that happens when cinema is at its best: deeply personal, universally relatable, and eternally inspiring.

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Spielberg and Barrymore Reunite to Celebrate E.T. at the TCM Classic Film Festival Pop-Up hosted at 92NY