Bruce Springsteen Brings Iconic "Land of Hope and Dreams" to New York Film Festival Spotlight Gala

Bruce Springsteen Brings 'Land of Hope and Dreams' to New York Film Festival In a surprise performance at the New York Film Festival's Spotlight Gala, Bruce Springsteen took the stage at Alice Tully Hall on September 28, 2025, to perform his iconic song "Land of Hope and Dreams." The musician was appearing in conjunction with the festival premiere of the documentary film "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere," which chronicles his life and career. Before launching into the song on acoustic guitar, Springsteen offered a heartfelt tribute to the film's cast and crew. "I want to thank Jeremy Allen White for playing a much better-looking version of me," he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. He also praised Jeremy Strong for portraying his manager Jon Landau, saying, "He played a much, much better-looking version of him." The musician took a moment to honor his late parents, Douglas Dutch Springsteen and Adele Springsteen, who are portrayed in the film by Stephen Graham and Gaby Hoffman. "They're all gone now," he said, "so it's nice to have this piece of film." After thanking numerous individuals involved in the project, Springsteen turned his attention to the current state of affairs. "These days we have daily events reminding us of the fact that we're living through these particularly dangerous times," he observed. The performance was a highlight of the festival, which has been celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The New York Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, and Springsteen's appearance was a testament to his enduring appeal and influence on popular culture. "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" is a documentary that offers an intimate look at the musician's life and career, from his early days as a struggling artist to his rise to fame. The film has been praised for its thoughtful portrayal of Springsteen's experiences and its exploration of themes such as identity, community, and social justice. The New York Film Festival continues through October 10, with a range of screenings, panels, and events celebrating the art of filmmaking. Springsteen's performance was a memorable moment in the festival's history, and it is likely to be remembered for years to come. Background: Bruce Springsteen is one of the most iconic musicians of all time, known for his powerful live performances and hit songs such as "Born to Run" and "Thunder Road." He has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The New York Film Festival is a premier film festival that takes place annually in New York City. It was founded in 1963 by Amos Vogel and has since become one of the most respected and celebrated film festivals in the world. Additional Perspectives: Industry insiders praised Springsteen's performance, saying it was a highlight of the festival. "Bruce Springsteen is a true legend," said one attendee. "His music has a way of transcending generations and cultures, and his live performances are always unforgettable." The documentary film "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" has been well-received by critics and audiences alike, with many praising its thoughtful portrayal of Springsteen's life and career. Current Status and Next Developments: The New York Film Festival continues through October 10, with a range of screenings, panels, and events celebrating the art of filmmaking. Springsteen's performance was a memorable moment in the festival's history, and it is likely to be remembered for years to come. *Reporting by Rollingstone.*