Steven Spielberg can add another trophy to his extensive collection after Paterson officials gave him a key to the city this week.

Spielberg was in town directing his remake of "West Side Story" when, on Tuesday, Mayor Andre Sayegh presented him with a plaque and the attached key.

Sayegh also held up a picture of the Great Falls with text below saying Spielberg is always welcome in Paterson.

"It’s not every day you have an iconic American filmmaker making a movie in your city," Sayegh said. "From what he’s told me, he’s in love with the city."

"West Side Story" made its film debut in 1961. Spielberg's version is scheduled to hit the big screen Dec. 18, 2020, and stars Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler — a Clifton native.

Sayegh was impressed by the iconic director.

"Down to earth, personable," the Paterson mayor said of Spielberg. "He’s got a humble heart of gold. He is magnanimous."

Spielberg also made a donation to improve Paterson's parks. Sayegh declined to state how much but said it was substantial.

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Sayegh spoke to Spielberg about his favorite one of his movies, "E.T."

The set in Paterson attracted more celebrities, as Bruce Springsteen stopped by earlier this month.

Filming should wrap up soon, Sayegh said. But the mayor hopes it's the start of a trend in Paterson with more movies filmed in the city.

"He says he’s been talking us up in Hollywood," Sayegh said of Spielberg. "It’s a shot in the arm for the economy."

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com