Goofs:
Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): General Grey refers to a single AWACS as an "AWAC". The “s” does not make it plural the s stands for System (Airborne Warning And Control System). (more)

Trivia:
In the briefing room scene at Area 51 behind Hiller and Grey there is a night vision pan of the base. What you are seeing are actual shots of the real Area 51 taken by a conspiracy theorist from a place called "Freedom Ridge". The ridge was commandeered by the U.S. government in the late 90's and is no longer accessible to the public. (more)

Filming Locations:
2nd Street Tunnel, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA (more)

Quotes:
[first lines]
SETI Chief: [answering telephone] If this isn't an insanely beautiful woman, I'm hangin' up.
SETI technician: Sir, I - I- I think you should listen to this.
(more)

Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 26 wins & 21 nominations (more)