Without question, John Towner Williams is in a league by himself. He currently has been nominated for an Oscar 42 times, has won 5 Oscars, and 2 Emmys. He is mentioned in the Guiness Book of World Records for these achievements.

Of course, Williams rightly notes that he's also lost at the Oscars 37 times. (He hasn't won since Schindler's List in 1993.) This year he's nominated for Catch Me If You Can, but I suspect he won't win... again.

The other nominees are:
Frida by Elliot Goldenthal
The Hours by Philip Glass
Far From Heaven by Elmer Bernstein
Road to Perdition by Thomas Newman

My prediction: Far From Heaven

Thank goodness, George Lucas picked Williams to compose the first three Star Wars films. I couldn't imagine them without that magnificent music. Love his work on Close Encounters and E.T. too. When I think of Jurrasic Park, his music immediately comes into my head. His memorable themes have helped to make those movies very special to me.

Even his 'lighter' work is very memorable. As a child, I always stayed glued to the tv for the opening music for the third season reruns of Lost in Space. That was such an exciting and terrifically fun theme!

My favorite version is the one with the "countdown" and the French Horns carrying the theme. (Is that the one you're thinking about, Cindy?)

PS...Welcome to Nitcentral!

The third season theme for Lost in Space is one of my favorites. The music and visuals for the opening are some of the most memorable from 60's tv (Barry Gray's work in the UFO theme also comes to mind).
Don't forget Williams' work in 78's Superman. The overly long opening title sequence was made more than bearable by his magnificent music ( ok, the zooming credits were fun too!).