Spielberg Honored at Pudding As 1983 Man of the Year

Steven Spielberg, the father of E.T. and creator of numerous other blockbuster movies, including Jews and Raiders of the Lost Ark., accepted the Hasty Pudding Theatricals (HPT) 16th man of the Year award last night.

Two club officials presented the award, annually given to an individual who has made a "lasting and impressive contribution to the world of entertainment," was given to Spielberg in front of an enthusiastic, champagne-sipping crowd of more than 300, preceding the premier performance of HPT's 135th production Of Mines and Men.

Before receiving the pudding pot--the HPT's equivilant of the Oscar--Spielberg was treated to two less prestigous gifts.

Citing his penchant for working with "creatures," officials it the Pudding gave him a goldfish bowl with a lose goldfish.

Spielberg was then presented with an E.T. doll, sporting heir and hat.

Finally, upon being presented with the Pudding Pot, Spielberg commented that it was the perfect thing to put E.T.'s profit checks in.

Spielberg added that when he was Bar Mitzvahed at 13, the Jewish community called him a man, but when he directed his first show at age 21, for Universal Studios, colleagues referred to him as a "wonderkid."

"The Harvard Hasty Pudding award confirms my manhood," the beaming, bearded director concluded.