Made on a production budget of $ 20 million , '' Close Encounters '' was released in a limited number of cities on November 16 , 1977 and November 23 , 1977 before expanding into wide release the following month . It was a critical and financial success , eventually grossing over $ 300 million worldwide . The film received numerous awards and nominations at the 50th Academy Awards , 32nd British Academy Film Awards , the 35th Golden Globe Awards , the 5th Saturn Awards , and has been widely acclaimed by the American Film Institute
50th Academy Awards
50th Academy Awards
Close Encounters of the Third Kind