Melissa Mathison, who was nominated for a screenwriting Oscar for “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” died today in Los Angeles.

Her brother, Dirk Mathison, told Variety that she died after an
unspecified illness. She was 65.

In addition to “E.T.,” Mathison’s other credits include “The Black
Stallion,” “Indian in the Cupboard,” “Kundun,” “The Escape Artist” and
“The BFG,” another Steven Spielberg film set for release next year.

“Melissa had a heart that shined with generosity and love and burned as
bright as the heart she gave E.T.,” Spielberg said.

Mathison was married to actor Harrison Ford from 1983 to 2004 and they
had two children, Malcolm and Georgia.