Steven Spielberg

About

Steven Spielberg is a prolific and influential filmmaker recognized globally for his remarkable contributions to cinema. Born on December 18, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Spielberg cultivated an interest in filmmaking early in life, directing his first short film at the age of 12. Spielberg gained fame in Hollywood with his iconic movie "Jaws" in 1975, which became a box office sensation. He continued to create highly successful films like "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," "Jurassic Park," and the Indiana Jones series, demonstrating a unique storytelling ability that often combined humanistic themes with innovative special effects. Spielberg's exceptional work in historical dramas like "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan" also garnered him critical acclaim, earning him multiple Academy Awards. He co-founded DreamWorks Studios in 1994, which further established him as a leading figure in the industry.

Associated With

Steven Spielberg, a leading figure in the world of cinema, is connected with countless professionals in the movie industry. Starting from his extensive collaboration with actor Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones series, Spielberg has also frequently worked with actor Tom Hanks in movies such as Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, and The Terminal. He collaborates often with composer John Williams who has scored most of his films. Dating back to the Jaws era, Spielberg formed a close friendship with fellow director George Lucas, leading to numerous collaborative projects. Spielberg was married to actress Amy Irving in the 1980s and later married actress Kate Capshaw, whom he met during the production of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. His working relationship with DreamWorks Animation, along with co-founders Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen, amplifies his extensive involvement in the film industry.

Career Highlights

• 1968: Spielberg's first work, a short film called "Amblin'", is noticed by executives at Universal, leading to a seven-year directing contract, making him the youngest director ever to be signed for a long-term deal with a major Hollywood studio.
• 1971: Spielberg debuts on television, directing the first movie made for the new ABC Movie of the Week series, "Duel."
• 1975: "Jaws" is released and becomes the highest-grossing film at that time.
• 1977: Spielberg releases "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," earning him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Director.
• 1981: "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is released, introducing iconic character Indiana Jones and earning Spielberg another Best Director nomination.
• 1982: Spielberg releases "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" which becomes another box-office hit, leading to Spielberg's third Best Director nomination.
• 1993: Spielberg wins two Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for "Schindler's List", which is often considered his best work. The film won a total of seven Academy awards.
• 1998: Spielberg releases "Saving Private Ryan", earning him another Academy Award for Best Director.
• 2002: Spielberg wins his first BAFTA award for Best Director for "Minority Report."
• 2005: He releases "War of the Worlds," one of the most successful films of that year globally.
• 2012: Spielberg is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
• 2017: Spielberg releases "The Post," which is nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Picture.
• 2018: Spielberg becomes the first director to gross more than $10 billion at the box office with the success of "Ready Player One."
• 2020: Spielberg steps down as director of Indiana Jones 5, marking it the first time he won’t direct an installment in the iconic franchise since it was launched in 1981.

Notable Awards

• Steven Spielberg is a highly decorated filmmaker. Here are some of his most notable awards:
• Academy Awards: He has won 4 Academy Awards - Best Director and Best Picture for "Schindler's List" (1994), Best Director for "Saving Private Ryan" (1999), and the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award (1987).
• Golden Globe Awards: He has won 3 - Best Director for "Saving Private Ryan" (1999), "Schindler's List" (1994), and "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1983).
• BAFTA Awards: He won the Best Director award for "Schindler's List" (1994), and the Fellowship award in 2007.
• Directors Guild of America Awards: He has won 3 - for "Schindler's List" (1994), "Saving Private Ryan" (1999), and "The Color Purple" (1986).
• AFI Life Achievement Award: He received this prestigious accolade in 1995.
• Kennedy Center Honors: He was honored in 2015 for his contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
• Presidential Medal of Freedom: He received this, the highest civilian award in the United States, from President Obama in 2015.

FAQs

What Is the Most Noteworthy Steven Spielberg Work/Projects?

Steven Spielberg is a renowned director and producer, known for many remarkable projects. However, his most popular and influential work is arguably "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" released in 1982. This film, with its engaging plot and heartwarming portrayal of a unique friendship, was not only a major commercial success but also left a lasting cultural impact. It revolutionized science fiction genre and solidified Spielberg's position as a master storyteller. Despite the major success of other Spielberg projects like "Jaws", "Schindler's List", and the "Indiana Jones" series, "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" stands out for its universal appeal and timeless narrative.

How Did Steven Spielberg Get Famous?

Steven Spielberg earned his fame as a director and producer, making a name for himself in the film industry with the release of the groundbreaking movie "Jaws" in 1975. This was a commercial success and is considered the first summer blockbuster. Spielberg's reputation was further solidified by directing and producing a string of highly successful films including 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial', the 'Indiana Jones' series, 'Jurassic Park', and 'Schindler's List'. His unique storytelling ability, innovative film techniques and knack for creating spectacular cinematic experiences have made Spielberg one of the most influential filmmakers in Hollywood.