the movie was nominated for nine oscars at the 55th academy awards, including best picture. "gandhi" won that award, but its director, richard attenborough, declared "i was certain that not only would e.t. win, but that it should win. it was inventive, powerful, [and] wonderful. i make more mundane movies." it won four academy awards: best original score, best sound, best sound effects editing, and best visual effects. at the 40th golden globe awards, the movie won best picture in the drama category and best score; it was also nominated for best director, best screenplay, and best new male star for henry thomas. the los angeles film critics association awarded the movie best picture, best director, and a "new generation award" for melissa mathison. the movie won saturn awards for best science fiction film, best writing, best special effects, best music, and best poster art, while henry thomas, robert mcnaughton, and drew barrymore won young artist awards. composer john williams won a grammy and a bafta for the score. it was nominated for a bafta award for best screenplay.