Steven Spielberg: Difference between revisions

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In 1993, Spielberg directed back-to-back blockbuster hits with the [[science fiction]] thriller ''[[Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park]]'', the [[List of highest-grossing films|highest-grossing film]] ever at the time, and the [[Holocaust]] drama ''[[Schindler's List]]'', which has often been listed as one of the [[List of films considered the best|greatest films ever made]]. He won the [[Academy Award for Best Director]] for the latter and the 1998 World War II epic ''[[Saving Private Ryan]]''. Spielberg has since directed the science fiction films ''[[A.I. Artificial Intelligence]]'' (2001), ''[[Minority Report (film)|Minority Report]]'' (2002), and ''[[War of the Worlds (2005 film)|War of the Worlds]]'' (2005); the adventure films ''[[The Adventures of Tintin (film)|The Adventures of Tintin]]'' (2011) and ''[[Ready Player One (film)|Ready Player One]]'' (2018); the historical dramas ''[[Amistad (film)|Amistad]]'' (1997), ''[[Munich (2005 film)|Munich]]'' (2005), ''[[War Horse (film)|War Horse]]'' (2011), ''[[Lincoln (film)|Lincoln]]'' (2012), ''[[Bridge of Spies (film)|Bridge of Spies]]'' (2015) and ''[[The Post (film)|The Post]]'' (2017); the musical ''[[West Side Story (2021 film)|West Side Story]]'' (2021); and the semi-autobiographical drama ''[[The Fabelmans]]'' (2022).

 

 

==Early life and background==

 

 

 

 

 

In 1968, Universal gave Spielberg the opportunity to write and direct a short film for theatrical release, the 26-minute [[35 mm movie film|35&nbsp;mm]] ''[[Amblin']]''. Studio vice president [[Sidney Sheinberg]] was impressed by the film, and offered Spielberg a seven-year directing contract.{{Sfn|Parish|2004|p=26}} A year later, he dropped out of college to begin directing television productions for Universal.{{Sfn|McBride|1997|p=169}} It made him the youngest director to be signed to a long-term plan with a major Hollywood studio.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Fischer|first=Dennis|title=Science Fiction Film Directors, 1895–1998|publisher=McFarland|year=2011|isbn=9780786485055|location=North Carolina|pages=548}}</ref> Spielberg returned to Long Beach in 2002, where he presented ''[[Schindler's List]]'' to complete his [[Bachelor of Arts]] in Film and Electronic Media.{{Sfn|Parish|2004|p=28}}

 

 

==Career==

Joan Crawford, reflecting on her collaboration with Spielberg, recognized his potential, noting his unique intuitive inspiration compared to more seasoned directors. She expressed her appreciation for Spielberg's talent in a note to him and also communicated her approval to Rod Serling, emphasizing Spielberg's promising future in the industry. Crawford's endorsement highlighted Spielberg's early recognition in Hollywood despite initial hesitations regarding his experience.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Chandler|first=Charlotte|title=Not the Girl Next Door: Joan Crawford, a Personal Biography|date=2008|publisher=Simon & Schuster|page=262|isbn=978-1-4165-4751-8|edition=1st Simon & Schuster hardcover|location=New York|oclc=166273792}}</ref>

 

 

Based on the strength of his work, Universal signed Spielberg to do four television films.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July 14, 1975|title=Spielberg, Universal Sign Four-Picture Agreement|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> The first was ''[[Duel (1971 film)|Duel]]'' (1971), adapted from [[Richard Matheson]]'s short story of the same name, about a salesman ([[Dennis Weaver]]) being chased down a highway by a psychotic [[Tank truck|tanker truck]] driver. Impressed with the film, executives decided to promote it on television. Reviews were positive, and Universal asked Spielberg to shoot more scenes so that ''Duel'' could be released to international markets.''{{Sfn|Parish|2004|p=35}}'' "Deservedly so" writes [[David Thomson (film critic)|David Thomson]], "for it stands up as one of the medium's most compelling spirals of suspense."<ref>{{cite book| last=Thomson| first=David| title=[[The New Biographical Dictionary of Film]]| year=2004| page=847}}</ref> More TV films followed: ''[[Something Evil]]'' (1972) and ''[[Savage (1973 TV film)|Savage]]'' (1973).

 

=== 1981–1990: Impresario ===

 

Spielberg returned to science fiction with ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial]]'' (1982). It tells the story of Elliot ([[Henry Thomas]]), a young boy who befriends an alien who was accidentally left behind by his companions and is attempting to return home. Spielberg eschewed [[storyboards]] so that his direction would be more spontaneous, and shot roughly in sequence so that the actors' performances would be authentic as they bonded with and said goodbye to [[E.T. (character)|E.T.]] ''E.T.'' premiered at the [[1982 Cannes Film Festival]] to an ecstatic reaction; Kennedy recalled, "You couldn't hear the end of the movie because people were on their feet stomping and yelling [...] It was one of the most amazing experiences."{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=36}} A special screening was organized for [[Ronald Reagan|Ronald]] and [[Nancy Reagan]], who were emotional by the end.{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=36}} ''E.T.'' grossed $700 million worldwide.{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=36}} It won four Academy Awards: [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Original Score]] ([[John Williams]]), Best Sound ([[Robert Knudson]], [[Robert Glass (sound engineer)|Robert Glass]], [[Don Digirolamo]], and [[Gene Cantamessa]]), Best Sound Editing ([[Charles L. Campbell]] and [[Ben Burtt]]), and Best Visual Effects ([[Carlo Rambaldi]], [[Dennis Muren]], and [[Kenneth F. Smith]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1983 |title=The 55th Academy Awards (1983) Nominees and Winners |access-date=October 9, 2011 |publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905/http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/legacy/ceremony/55th-winners.html |archive-date=September 5, 2012}}</ref> It was nominated for [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]] but lost to ''[[Gandhi (film)|Gandhi]]''. ''Gandhi'''s director, [[Richard Attenborough]], said, "I was certain that not only would ''E.T.'' win, but that it should win. It was inventive, powerful, wonderful. I make more mundane movies."<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Shay |first1=Don |last2=Duncan |first2=Jody |year=1993 |title=The Making of Jurassic Park: An Adventure 65 Million Years in the Making |publisher=Boxtree |isbn=1-85283-774-8|page=122}}</ref> Kael wrote of E.T.: "His voice is ancient and otherworldly but friendly, humorous. And this scaly, wrinkled little man with huge, wide-apart, soulful eyes and a jack-in-the-box neck has been so fully created that he's a friend to us, too; when he speaks of his longing to go home the audience becomes as mournful as Elliot. Spielberg has earned the tears that some people in the audience—and not just children—shed. The tears are tokens of gratitude for the spell the picture has put on the audience. Genuinely entrancing movies are almost as rare as extraterrestrial visitors."<ref>{{Cite magazine| author=[[Pauline Kael]]| date= June 14, 1982| title= ''E.T. The Extraterrestrial''| magazine=[[The New Yorker]]}}</ref> Spielberg co-wrote and produced [[Poltergeist (1982 film)|''Poltergeist'']] (1982){{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=33}} and directed the "Kick The Can" segment in ''[[Twilight Zone: The Movie]]'' (1983).<ref>{{cite web |last=Heitmueller |first=Karl |date=April 3, 2007 |title=Rewind: Major-Studio flicks that belong in the Grind House |url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1556111/story.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006102305/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1556111/story.jhtml |archive-date=October 6, 2008 |access-date=January 2, 2009 |website=[[MTV]] |publisher= |quote=Ultimate A-lister Steven Spielberg co-produced this big-budget adaptation of Rod Serling's classic '60s TV show....}}</ref>

 

[[File:Steven Spielberg with Chandran Rutnam in Sri Lanka.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|right|Spielberg and [[Chandran Rutnam]] in Sri Lanka during the filming of ''Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'']]

 

 

 

As China underwent economic reform and opened up to the American film industry, Spielberg made ''[[Empire of the Sun (film)|Empire of the Sun]]'' (1987), the first American film shot in [[Shanghai]] since the 1930s.{{Sfn|McBride|1997|p=395}} It is an adaptation of [[J. G. Ballard]]'s autobiographical [[Empire of the Sun (novel)|novel of the same name]] about Jamie Graham ([[Christian Bale]]), a young boy who goes from being the son of a wealthy British family in Shanghai to a [[prisoner of war]] in a Japanese [[internment camp]] during [[World War II]]. Critical reaction was mixed at the time of release; criticism ranged from the "overwrought" plot to Spielberg's downplaying of "disease and starvation".{{Sfn|McBride|1997|p=397}}{{Sfn|McBride|1997|p=398}} However, [[Andrew Sarris]] named it the best film of the year and later included it among the best of the decade.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sarris |first=Andrew |author-link=Andrew Sarris |title=Andrew Sarris' Top 10 lists 1958–2005 |url=http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~ejohnson/critics/sarris.html#y1977 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010210193008/http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~ejohnson/critics/sarris.html#y1977 |archive-date=February 10, 2001 |access-date=October 21, 2006 |publisher=[[California Institute of Technology]] }}</ref> The film was nominated for six Academy Awards,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 60th Academy Awards {{!}} 1988 |date=December 4, 2015 |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1988 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724211840/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1988 |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |access-date=November 27, 2020 |publisher=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] |language=en}}</ref> but was a disappointment at the box office; Ian Alterman of ''[[The New York Times]]'' thought it was overlooked by audiences.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alterman |first=Ian |date=March 29, 1989 |title=Oscar Nominations Again Snub Spielberg|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/29/opinion/l-oscar-nominations-again-snub-spielberg-544089.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184138/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/29/opinion/l-oscar-nominations-again-snub-spielberg-544089.html |archive-date=January 1, 2021}}</ref> Spielberg recalled that ''Empire of the Sun'' was one of his most enjoyable films to make.{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=47}}

In 1994, Spielberg took a break from directing to spend more time with his family, and set up his new film studio, [[DreamWorks Pictures|DreamWorks]], with [[Jeffrey Katzenberg]] and [[David Geffen]].{{Sfn|McBride|1997|p=442}}{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=59}} Spielberg cited more creative control and distribution improvements as the main reasons for founding his own studio;{{Sfn|McBride|1997|p=445}} he and his partners compared themselves to the founders of [[United Artists]] in 1919.{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=60}} DreamWorks' investors included [[Microsoft]] founders [[Paul Allen]] and [[Bill Gates]].{{Sfn|Mara|2014|p=55}} After founding DreamWorks, Spielberg continued to operate Amblin Entertainment and direct films for other studios.{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=61}} Besides film, Spielberg helped design a ''Jurassic Park''-themed attraction at [[Universal Orlando]] in Florida.{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=65}} The workload of filmmaking and operating a studio raised questions about his commitments, but Spielberg maintained that "this is all fitting nicely into my life and I'm still home by six and I'm still home on the weekends."{{Sfn|McBride|1997|p=447}}

 

 

His 1997 feature ''[[Amistad (film)|Amistad]]'' his first released under DreamWorks, was based on the true story of the events in 1839 aboard the slave ship ''[[La Amistad]]''. Producer [[Debbie Allen]], who had read the book ''Amistad I'' in 1978, thought Spielberg would be perfect to direct.{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=68}} Spielberg was hesitant taking on the project, afraid that it would be compared to ''Schindler's List'', but he said, "I've never planned my career [...] In the end I do what I think I gotta do."{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=68}} Starring [[Morgan Freeman]], [[Anthony Hopkins]], [[Djimon Hounsou]] and [[Matthew McConaughey]], Spielberg used Allen's ten years worth of research to reenact the difficult historical scenes.{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=67}}{{Sfn|Freer|2001|p=252}} The film struggled to find an audience, and underperformed at the box office;{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=69}} Spielberg admitted that "[''Amistad''] became too much of a history lesson."{{Sfn|Freer|2001|p=258}}

 

[[File:Steven Spielberg 1999.jpg|thumb|left|Spielberg speaking at the Pentagon on August 11, 1999, after receiving the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service]]

 

=== 1999–2012: Master of technology===

 

 

 

Spielberg's ''[[Munich (2005 film)|Munich]]'' (2005) is about the Israeli government's secret retaliation after eleven Israeli Olympic athletes were kidnapped and murdered in the 1972 [[Munich Massacre|Munich massacre]]. The film is based on ''[[Vengeance (Jonas book)|Vengeance]]'', a book by Canadian journalist [[George Jonas]].{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=86}} It was previously adapted for the screen in the 1986 television film ''[[Sword of Gideon]]''. Spielberg, who personally remembers the incident, sought advice from former president [[Bill Clinton]], among others, before making the film because he did not want to cause further problems in the Middle East.{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=86}} Although the film garnered mostly positive reviews, some critics perceived it as anti-Semitic;{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=87}} it is one of Spielberg's most controversial films to date.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Melman |first1=Yossi |author-link=Yossi Melman |last2=Hartov |first2=Steven |author-link2=Steven Hartov |date=January 17, 2006 |title=Munich: Fact and Fantasy |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2006/jan/17/israelandthepalestinians.world |url-status=live |access-date=February 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728163025/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2006/jan/17/israelandthepalestinians.world |archive-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref> ''Munich'' received five Academy Awards nominations: Best Picture, Best Film Editing, [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|Best Score]], [[Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay|Best Adapted Screenplay]], and Best Director for Spielberg. It was his sixth Best Director nomination, and fifth Best Picture nomination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 78th Academy Awards {{!}} 2006 |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001074434/https://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/legacy/ceremony/78th-winners.html |archive-date=October 1, 2014 |access-date=November 27, 2020 |publisher=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]]}}</ref>{{Sfn|Edge|2008|p=102}}

 

[[File:2009libertymedal.JPG|thumb|Spielberg with Bill Clinton, 2009]]

 

Spielberg returned to the ''[[Indiana Jones]]'' series in 2008 with the fourth installment, ''[[Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull]].'' Released nineteen years after ''Last Crusade'', the film is set in 1957, pitting Indiana Jones ([[Harrison Ford]]) against [[KGB|Soviet agents]] led by Irina Spalko ([[Cate Blanchett]]), searching for a [[telepath]]ic [[crystal skull]]. [[Principal photography]] was complete in October 2007, and the film was released on May 22, 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 18, 2007 |title=New Indy Adventure Begins Shooting |publisher=[[Indiana Jones|IndianaJones.com]] |url=http://www.indianajones.com/community/news/news20070618.html |access-date=June 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621003713/http://indianajones.com/community/news/news20070618.html |archive-date=June 21, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Green |first=Willow |date=August 21, 2006 |title=Spielberg, Ford and Lucas on Indy IV |work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/spielberg-ford-lucas-indy-iv/ |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216150243/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/spielberg-ford-lucas-indy-iv/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This was his first film not released by DreamWorks since 1997.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Masters|first1=Kim|date=June 15, 2016|title=Steven Spielberg on DreamWorks' Past, Amblin's Present and His Own Future|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/steven-spielberg-dreamworks-past-amblins-902544|access-date=July 11, 2016|archive-date=December 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217200120/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/steven-spielberg-dreamworks-past-amblins-902544|url-status=live}}</ref> The film received generally favorable reviews from critics, but some fans were disappointed by the introduction of science fiction elements which were uncharacteristic of the previous films.{{Sfn|Hook|2010|p=90}}{{Sfn|Mara|2014|p=60}} Writing for ''[[The Age]]'', Tom Ryan praised Spielberg and George Lucas for their realistic 1950s setting—"The energy on display is impressive".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Tom |date=May 23, 2008 |title=Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull |url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/indiana-jones-and-the-kingdom-of-the-crystal-skull-20080524-ge73zx.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184141/https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/indiana-jones-and-the-kingdom-of-the-crystal-skull-20080524-ge73zx.html |archive-date=January 1, 2021 |access-date=December 19, 2020 |website=[[The Age]] |language=en}}</ref> It was a box office success, grossing $790&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0367882/?ref_=bo_se_r_1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184127/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0367882/?ref_=bo_se_r_1 |archive-date=January 1, 2021 |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref>

 

[[File:Steven Spielberg Masterclass Cinémathèque Française 2 cropped.jpg|thumb|Spielberg at his masterclass at the [[Cinémathèque Française]] in January 2012|upright=0.75]]

 

 

Spielberg directed the historical drama ''[[Lincoln (film)|Lincoln]]'' (2012), starring [[Daniel Day-Lewis]] as President [[Abraham Lincoln]] and [[Sally Field]] as [[Mary Todd Lincoln]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |date=April 13, 2011 |title=Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln' gets its Mary Todd: Sally Field |url=https://ew.com/article/2011/04/13/spielbergs-lincoln-gets-its-mary-todd-sally-field/ |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=February 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207193943/https://ew.com/article/2011/04/13/spielbergs-lincoln-gets-its-mary-todd-sally-field/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Based on [[Doris Kearns Goodwin]]'s book ''[[Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln]]'' and written by [[Tony Kushner]], the film depicts the final four months of Lincoln's life. The film was shot in [[Richmond, Virginia]] in late 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Garbarek |first=Ben |date=May 9, 2011 |title=First casting calls for Steven Spielberg movie |url=http://www.nbc12.com/story/14601466/first-casting-calls-for-steven-spielberg-movie |access-date=July 20, 2011 |website=[[WWBT]] |publisher= |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001220510/https://www.nbc12.com/story/14601466/first-casting-calls-for-steven-spielberg-movie/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and was released in the U.S. in November 2012.<ref>{{cite web |author=Fischer |first=Russ |date=November 19, 2010 |title=Daniel Day-Lewis to Star in Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln' |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/daniel-day-lewis-lincoln-steven-spielberg/ |access-date=March 10, 2023 |work=[[/Film]] |archive-date=November 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121003803/https://www.slashfilm.com/daniel-day-lewis-lincoln-steven-spielberg/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Lincoln'' was acclaimed and earned more than $250 million worldwide.{{Sfn|Mara|2014|p=65}} It was nominated for twelve Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director,<ref>{{cite web |title=The 85th Academy Awards {{!}} 2013 |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502002219/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2013 |archive-date=May 2, 2019 |access-date=March 3, 2013 |publisher=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]]}}</ref> winning [[Academy Award for Best Production Design|Best Production Design]] and [[Academy Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] for Day-Lewis's performance.{{Sfn|Mara|2014|p=64}} Donald Clarke from ''[[The Irish Times]]'' praised the direction: "Against the odds, Spielberg makes something genuinely exciting of the backstage wheedling."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clarke |first=Donald |date=January 25, 2013 |title=The real deal |language=en |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/the-real-deal-1.966493 |url-status=live |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184148/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/the-real-deal-1.966493 |archive-date=January 1, 2021}}</ref>

In 2016, Spielberg made ''[[The BFG (2016 film)|The BFG]],'' an adaptation of [[Roald Dahl]]'s [[The BFG|children's book]], starring newcomer [[Ruby Barnhill]], and [[Mark Rylance]] as the titular Big Friendly Giant. DreamWorks bought the rights in 2010, and [[John Madden (director)|John Madden]] had intended to direct.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pulver |first=Andrew |date=April 28, 2014 |title=Steven Spielberg to tackle The BFG movie |url=http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/apr/28/steven-spielberg-bfg-movie-roald-dahl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184155/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/apr/28/steven-spielberg-bfg-movie-roald-dahl |archive-date=January 1, 2021 |access-date=December 19, 2020 |website=[[The Guardian]] |language=en}}</ref> The film was the last to be written by ''E.T.'' screenwriter [[Melissa Mathison]] before her death.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2014 |title=Steven Spielberg to direct The BFG |url=https://www.roalddahl.com/blog/2014/april/steven-spielberg-to-direct-the-bfg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184218/https://www.roalddahl.com/blog/2014/april/steven-spielberg-to-direct-the-bfg |archive-date=January 1, 2021 |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=roalddahl.com}}</ref> It was co-produced and released by [[Walt Disney Pictures]], marking the first Disney-branded film to be directed by Spielberg. ''The BFG'' premiered as an out-of-competition entry at the [[2016 Cannes Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/press/programmation/?date=2016-05-14|title=Programme|website=[[Cannes Film Festival|Festival de Cannes]]|access-date=December 1, 2017|archive-date=November 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118102457/http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/press/programmation/?date|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Tartaglione |first1=Nancy |last2=Jaafar |first2=Ali |date=April 14, 2016 |title=Cannes Film Festival 2016 Lineup: 'The BFG', 'Nice Guys', Penn, Refn, Almodóvar & More Confirmed; No Closing-Night Pic |url=https://deadline.com/2016/04/cannes-film-festival-2016-official-selection-lineup-full-list-1201736807/ |access-date=December 1, 2017 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation|Penske Business Media, LLC]] |archive-date=April 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414135414/https://deadline.com/2016/04/cannes-film-festival-2016-official-selection-lineup-full-list-1201736807/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and received a wide release in the U.S. on July 1, 2016.<ref name=June14dates /> ''The BFG'' welcomed fair reviews; Michael Phillips of ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' compared certain scenes to the works of [[Alfred Hitchcock]] and [[Stanley Kubrick]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Michael |date=June 29, 2016 |title='The BFG' review: Oscar-winner Rylance delightful to watch in Spielberg adaptation |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/sc-the-bfg-mov-rev-0628-20160628-column.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184205/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/sc-the-bfg-mov-rev-0628-20160628-column.html |archive-date=January 1, 2021 |access-date=December 19, 2020 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> while ''[[Toronto Sun]]''{{'}}s Liz Braun thought that there were "moments of wonder and delight" but it was too long.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Braun |first=Liz |date=June 30, 2016 |title='The BFG' review: Steven Spielberg can't capture the magic of Roald Dahl |language=en-CA |newspaper=[[Toronto Sun]] |url=https://torontosun.com/2016/06/30/the-bfg-review-steven-spielberg-cant-capture-the-magic-of-roald-dahl |url-status=live |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184202/https://torontosun.com/2016/06/30/the-bfg-review-steven-spielberg-cant-capture-the-magic-of-roald-dahl |archive-date=January 1, 2021}}</ref>

 

 

[[File:Ready Player One Japan Premiere Red Carpet Steven Spielberg (40713131765) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Spielberg promoting ''Ready Player One'' (2018) in Japan|upright=0.75]]

Spielberg directed the science fiction [[Ready Player One (film)|''Ready Player One'']] (2018), adapted from the [[Ready Player One|novel of the same name]] by [[Ernest Cline]]. It stars [[Tye Sheridan]], [[Olivia Cooke]], [[Ben Mendelsohn]], [[Lena Waithe]], [[T.J. Miller]], [[Simon Pegg]], and Mark Rylance. The plot takes place in 2045 when much of humanity uses [[virtual reality]] to escape the real world. ''Ready Player One'' began production in July 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Bryan |date=June 26, 2016 |title=New BFFs Spielberg, Rylance team up for 'The BFG' and big things beyond |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/06/26/bfg-steven-spielberg-mark-rylance/86164382/ |access-date=July 4, 2016 |website=[[USA Today]] |archive-date=November 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109205427/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/06/26/bfg-steven-spielberg-mark-rylance/86164382/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and was intended to be released on December 15, 2017,<ref>{{cite news |author=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |date=August 6, 2015 |title=Steven Spielberg's 'Ready Player One' Slotted For December 2017 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation|Penske Business Media, LLC]] |url=https://deadline.com/2015/08/steven-spielbergs-ready-player-one-december-15-2017-release-warner-bros-1201493651/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807205734/http://deadline.com/2015/08/steven-spielbergs-ready-player-one-december-15-2017-release-warner-bros-1201493651/ |archive-date=August 7, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Busch |first=Anita |date=March 25, 2015 |title=Steven Spielberg To Direct Sci-Fi Cult Favorite 'Ready Player One'; Back At Warner Bros. |url=https://deadline.com/2015/03/ready-player-one-movie-steven-spielberg-ernest-cline-warner-bros-1201398299/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702031556/https://deadline.com/2015/03/ready-player-one-movie-steven-spielberg-ernest-cline-warner-bros-1201398299/ |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> but was moved to March 2018 to avoid competition with ''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lang |first=Brent |date=February 9, 2016 |title=Steven Spielberg's 'Ready Player One' Pushed Back to Avoid 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/ready-player-one-steven-spielberg-star-wars-1201701175/ |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=July 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728161219/https://variety.com/2016/film/news/ready-player-one-steven-spielberg-star-wars-1201701175/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It premiered at the 2018 [[South by Southwest]] film festival.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 12, 2018 |title=Spielberg's 'Ready Player One' Premiere Hit With Technical Difficulties |url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/spielbergs-ready-player-one-premiere-hit-with-technical-difficulties-1202723753/ |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807195445/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/spielbergs-ready-player-one-premiere-hit-with-technical-difficulties-1202723753/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Spielberg's direction was praised along with the action scenes and visual effects, but many critics thought the film was too long and overused 1980s nostalgia.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Nashawaty |first=Chris |date=March 26, 2018 |title=Here's what our critic thought of Steven Spielberg's 'Ready Player One' |url=https://ew.com/movies/2018/03/26/ready-player-one-review/ |url-status=live |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |language=EN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184206/https://ew.com/movies/2018/03/26/ready-player-one-review/ |archive-date=January 1, 2021 |access-date=December 19, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burr |first=Ty |date=March 28, 2018 |title=Spielberg's 'Ready Player One' is much deeper than the trailers suggest |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2018/03/28/back-future-way-ready-player-one/BDgDfdTafFEWPJEcynLmJM/story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184159/https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2018/03/28/back-future-way-ready-player-one/BDgDfdTafFEWPJEcynLmJM/story.html |archive-date=January 1, 2021 |access-date=December 19, 2020 |website=[[The Boston Globe]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

 

 

Spielberg's 2022 film ''[[The Fabelmans]]'' is a fictionalized account of his own adolescence, which he wrote with Tony Kushner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=J. Kim |date=May 4, 2021 |title=Steven Spielberg's Next Film Is Titled The Fabelmans, About a Young Spielberg |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/steven-spielberg-the-fabelmans-title-casting-call-young-spielberg |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504212238/https://www.ign.com/articles/steven-spielberg-the-fabelmans-title-casting-call-young-spielberg |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Gabriel LaBelle]] plays [[Sammy Fabelman]], a character inspired by Spielberg, while [[Michelle Williams (actress)|Michelle Williams]] plays Sammy's mother Mitzi Fabelman, [[Paul Dano]] plays Burt Fabelman, his father, [[Seth Rogen]] plays Bennie Loewy, Burt's best friend and co-worker who becomes Sammy's surrogate uncle, and [[Judd Hirsch]] as Mitzi's Uncle Boris.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=May 26, 2021 |title=Steven Spielberg Sets Newcomer Gabriel LaBelle To Star In Untitled Film Based On Director's Childhood |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/steven-spielberg-gabriel-labelle-younger-spielberg-untitled-film-loosely-based-on-directors-childhood-1234763409/ |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation|Penske Business Media, LLC]] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526170154/https://deadline.com/2021/05/steven-spielberg-gabriel-labelle-younger-spielberg-untitled-film-loosely-based-on-directors-childhood-1234763409/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Keegan |first=Rebecca |date=March 2, 2022 |title=Paul Dano on His Terrifying Batman Villain and Why He's No Longer Scared of Going Hollywood |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/paul-dano-the-batman-riddler-the-fabelmans-1235101919/ |access-date=March 7, 2022 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |archive-date=March 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306043855/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/paul-dano-the-batman-riddler-the-fabelmans-1235101919/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming began in Los Angeles in July 2021, and the film premiered at the [[2022 Toronto International Film Festival]] on September 10, Spielberg's first appearance at that festival.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |date=July 22, 2022 |title=Steven Spielberg's ''The Fabelmans'' To World Premiere At Toronto Film Festival |url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/the-fabelmans-premiere-toronto-film-festival-steven-spielberg-1235074987/ |access-date=July 22, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation|Penske Business Media, LLC]] |archive-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611002922/https://deadline.com/2022/07/the-fabelmans-premiere-toronto-film-festival-steven-spielberg-1235074987/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It received widespread critical acclaim and won the festival's [[Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Award|People's Choice Award]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=September 18, 2022 |title=Steven Spielberg's 'The Fabelmans' Wins Toronto International Film Festival's People's Choice Award |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/steven-spielberg-the-fabelmans-toronto-film-festival-peoples-choice-award-1235375979/ |access-date=October 14, 2022 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315105806/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/steven-spielberg-the-fabelmans-toronto-film-festival-peoples-choice-award-1235375979/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It received a limited theatrical release on November 11, 2022, by [[Universal Pictures]], before expanding wide on November 23.<ref>{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=December 6, 2021 |title=Steven Spielberg's ''The Fabelmans'', Based On Filmmaker's Childhood, Sets 2022 Theatrical Release |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/steven-spielbergs-the-fabelmans-based-on-filmmakers-childhood-sets-2022-theatrical-release-1234885646/ |access-date=December 6, 2021 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation|Penske Business Media, LLC]] |archive-date=December 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206193423/https://deadline.com/2021/12/steven-spielbergs-the-fabelmans-based-on-filmmakers-childhood-sets-2022-theatrical-release-1234885646/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the favorable critical reception, ''West Side Story'' and ''The Fabelmans'' were box office failures, which ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' suggested could be attributed to a decline in the popularity of Spielberg in a film-going environment altered by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], and the public's loss of interest in [[Prestige picture|prestige films]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Eriksen |first=Kaare |date=December 1, 2022 |title='Fabelmans' Fumble Points to Box-office Blues for Prestige Films |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/vip/fabelmans-fumble-points-to-box-office-blues-for-prestige-films-1235447094/ |access-date=December 16, 2022 |archive-date=December 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216182455/https://variety.com/vip/fabelmans-fumble-points-to-box-office-blues-for-prestige-films-1235447094/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Fabelmans'' received seven [[Academy Award]] nominations, including [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]], [[Academy Award for Best Director|Best Director]], and [[Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay|Best Original Screenplay]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |date=January 24, 2023 |title=Steven Spielberg On 'Fabelmans' Oscar Noms, His First Screenplay Nod, 'Indiana Jones' & Why Theatrical B.O. "Will Come Back" |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation|Penske Business Media, LLC]] |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/oscars-2023-steven-spielberg-the-fabelmans-indiana-jones-disney-series-1235239433/ |access-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315031030/https://deadline.com/2023/01/oscars-2023-steven-spielberg-the-fabelmans-indiana-jones-disney-series-1235239433/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sanchez |first=Gabrielle |date=March 13, 2023 |title=''The Banshees of Inisherin'', ''TÁR'', ''Elvis'', and ''The Fabelmans'' were all shut out of this year's Oscars |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |url=https://www.avclub.com/banshees-of-inisherin-tar-the-fabelmans-shut-out-oscars-1850218763 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313161025/https://www.avclub.com/banshees-of-inisherin-tar-the-fabelmans-shut-out-oscars-1850218763 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was, however, a major box office success in France and became the highest-rated film of the 21st century in the country, with a 4.9 average from critics on [[AlloCiné]] from 43 reviews, with all but 6 giving the film 5 stars. ''[[Cahiers du Cinéma]]'' wrote that Spielberg, at age 76, had "come to represent like no other, the idea of cinema as wonder, at a time when the relationship to the spectacular and the cinema seems more tormented than ever" and declared that the film will "undoubtedly remain the most important and singular film of his career."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm-255726/critiques/presse/ |title=The Fabelmans |work=AlloCiné |access-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320144401/https://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm-255726/critiques/presse/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/24/film-spielberg-the-fabelmans-reviews-french-critics-audiences |title='What a film!' Spielberg's The Fabelmans stuns French critics and audiences |first=Kim |last=Willsher |date=February 24, 2023 |work=The Guardian |access-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-date=June 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612185754/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/24/film-spielberg-the-fabelmans-reviews-french-critics-audiences |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2009, Spielberg bought the rights to the life story of [[Martin Luther King Jr.]], with the intention of being involved as both the producer and director.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 19, 2009 |title=Steven Spielberg to direct Martin Luther King film |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/5351278/Steven-Spielberg-to-direct-Martin-Luther-King-film.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523122706/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/5351278/Steven-Spielberg-to-direct-Martin-Luther-King-film.html |archive-date=May 23, 2009}}</ref> The purchase was made from the King estate, led by son [[Dexter King|Dexter]], while the two other surviving children, the [[Bernice King|Reverend Bernice]] and [[Martin Luther King III|Martin III]], immediately threatened to sue, not having given their approvals to the project.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Itzkoff|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Itzkoff|date=May 20, 2009|title=King's Children May Sue Over Planned Biographical Film|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/kings-children-may-sue-over-planned-biographical-film/|access-date=December 24, 2022|archive-date=December 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224223927/https://archive.nytimes.com/artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/kings-children-may-sue-over-planned-biographical-film/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2013, Spielberg announced that he was developing a miniseries based on the life of [[Napoleon]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kellogg |first=Jane |date=March 3, 2013 |title=Steven Spielberg Developing Stanley Kubrick's 'Napoleon' as a Miniseries |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-spielberg-developing-stanley-kubricks-425771 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |archive-date=May 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518154114/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-spielberg-developing-stanley-kubricks-425771 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2016, it was announced that [[Cary Joji Fukunaga]] was in talks to direct the miniseries for HBO, from a script by [[David Leland]] based on extensive research materials accumulated by Stanley Kubrick over the years.<ref>{{cite news|last=Holdsworth|first=Nick|date=May 20, 2016|title=Cary Fukunaga in Talks to Direct HBO Stanley Kubrick Mini 'Napoleon,' From Steven Spielberg|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cary-fukunaga-talks-direct-hbo-895382|access-date=December 1, 2017|archive-date=February 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208144420/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cary-fukunaga-talks-direct-hbo-895382|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

 

== Other ventures ==

{{See also|Amblin Entertainment|DreamWorks Pictures|DreamWorks Animation|Amblin Partners}}

 

 

 

=== Video games ===

|quote="I was self-taught. But I had great teachers, you know? All my influencers were the directors and the writers of the movies I was watching in theaters and on television. And my film school was really the cultural heritage of Hollywood and international filmmaking because there's no better teacher than [[Lubitsch]] or [[Hitchcock]] or [[Kurosawa]] or [[Kubrick]], you know, or [[John Ford| Ford]] or [[William Wyler]] or [[Billy Wilder]] or [[Clarence Brown]] – I mean, [[Val Lewton]]. I mean, those were my teachers."| source = — Steven Spielberg, ''[[Fresh Air]]'' interview<ref name=":FreshAir"/>

}}

 

=== Method and themes ===

Spielberg often uses [[storyboard]]s to visualize the sequences, with the exceptions being in ''E.T.'' and ''The Color Purple''.{{Sfn|Freer|2001|p=112}}{{Sfn|Freer|2001|p=149}} After the experience of filming ''Jaws'', Spielberg learned to leave special effect scenes until last, and exclude the media from filming locations.{{Sfn|Baxter|1996|p=160}} Spielberg prefers to shoot quickly, with large amounts of coverage (from [[Single-camera setup|single-shot]] to [[Multiple-camera setup|multi-shot]] setups), so that he will have many options in the editing room.{{Sfn|Mairata|2018|p=69}} From the beginning of his career, Spielberg's shooting style consisted of extreme high and low camera angles, [[long take]]s, and [[Hand-held camera|handheld]] cameras.{{Sfn|Buckland|2006|p=69}} He favors [[wide-angle lens]] for creating depth,{{Sfn|Buckland|2006|p=205}} and by the time he was making ''Minority Report'', he was more confident with elaborate camera movements.{{Sfn|Buckland|2006|p=202}}

 

 

=== Collaborators ===

Spielberg met actress [[Amy Irving]] in 1976 when she auditioned for ''Close Encounters of the Third Kind''. After meeting her, Spielberg told his co-producer [[Julia Phillips]], "I met a real heartbreaker last night."{{Sfn|McBride|1997|p=293}} Although she was too young for the role, she and Spielberg began dating and she eventually moved into what she described as his "bachelor funky" house.{{Sfn|McBride|1997|p=294}} They broke up in 1979.{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=43}} In 1984, they renewed their romance and married in November 1985. Their son, Max, had been born on June 13 of that year.{{Sfn|McBride|1997|p=362, 363}} In 1989, the couple divorced; they agreed to live near each other to share custody of their son.{{Sfn|McBride|1997|p=403}} Their divorce settlement is one of the [[List of most expensive divorces|most expensive in history]].<ref>{{cite news |date=April 13, 2007 |title='Most costly' celebrity divorces |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6552597.stm |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313131053/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6552597.stm |archive-date=March 13, 2012}}</ref>{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=43}}

 

 

He has five children with Capshaw: [[Sasha Spielberg|Sasha Rebecca Spielberg]] (born May 14, 1990), [[Sawyer Spielberg|Sawyer Avery Spielberg]] (born March 10, 1992),<ref>{{cite web|last=Schuster|first=Dana|date=September 7, 2012|title=A stage for Spielberg's son|url=https://nypost.com/2012/09/07/a-stage-for-spielbergs-son/|access-date=May 11, 2018|work=[[New York Post]]|archive-date=February 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224232416/https://nypost.com/2012/09/07/a-stage-for-spielbergs-son/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Destry Spielberg|Destry Allyn Spielberg]] (born December 1, 1996), and two adopted children: Theo Spielberg (born August 21, 1988), and Mikaela George (born February 28, 1996).{{Sfn|Jackson|2007|p=42}} He also has a stepdaughter, [[Jessica Capshaw]] (born August 9, 1976). He is the [[Godparent|godfather]] of [[Drew Barrymore]] and [[Gwyneth Paltrow]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/photos/2017/03/celebrity-godparents | title=The Most Fascinating Celebrity Godparents | website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | date=March 27, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stylist.co.uk/people/surprising-celebrity-godparents/13002|title=Surprising celebrity godparents|date=September 5, 2011|work=Stylist|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-date=June 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614221256/https://www.stylist.co.uk/people/surprising-celebrity-godparents/13002|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/21/us/steven-spielberg-fast-facts/index.html|title=Steven Spielberg Fast Facts|work=CNN|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-date=October 31, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20181031210044/https://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/21/us/steven-spielberg-fast-facts/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Trachta|first=Ali|url=https://www.laweekly.com/q-a-with-drew-barrymore-l-a-cravings-dying-art-forms-barrymore-wines/|title=Q & A With Drew Barrymore: L.A. Cravings, Dying Art Forms & Barrymore Wines|publisher=LA Weekly|date=April 17, 2012|access-date=June 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128091539/http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/2012/04/drew_barrymore_wine.php|archive-date=January 28, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/drew-barrymore-admits-to-suffering-freak-245166|title=Drew Barrymore admits to suffering 'freak outs' over her long-distance relationship with Justin Long|work=Daily Mirror|date=September 2, 2010|access-date=January 27, 2013|archive-date=May 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520002741/http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/drew-barrymore-admits-to-suffering-freak-245166|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Drew-Barrymore-seeks-advice-from-godfather-Spielberg/articleshow/18207142.cms |title=Drew Barrymore seeks advice from 'godfather' Spielberg|work=The Times of India |access-date=January 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128073148/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Drew-Barrymore-seeks-advice-from-godfather-Spielberg/articleshow/18207142.cms |archive-date=January 28, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

 

 

Spielberg was diagnosed with [[dyslexia]] at age 60.<ref>{{cite news |last=Keegan |first=Rebecca |date=September 25, 2012 |title=Steven Spielberg on unlocking 'tremendous mystery' of his dyslexia |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2012-sep-25-la-et-mn-steven-spielberg-on-unlocking-tremendous-mystery-of-his-dyslexia-20120925-story.html |access-date=March 12, 2021 |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211013102/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2012-sep-25-la-et-mn-steven-spielberg-on-unlocking-tremendous-mystery-of-his-dyslexia-20120925-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, Spielberg purchased the {{convert|282|ft|m|adj=on}} mega-yacht ''The'' ''Seven Seas'' for US$182 million. He has put it up for sale and has made it available for [[Yacht charter|charter]]. At US$1.2 million per month, it is one of the most expensive charters on the market. The Canadian steel mogul [[Barry Zekelman]] bought it for US$150 millions and rechristened the ship ''Man of Steel''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steven Spielberg Sells Yacht For $150 Million To Steel Billionaire|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2021/11/05/steven-spielberg-sells-yacht-for-150-million-to-steel-billionaire/|access-date=August 5, 2024|website=Forbes.com}}</ref> Thereafter, Spielberg ordered a brand new {{convert|358|ft|m|adj=on}} ''Seven Seas''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Michelle Obama crusies on Steven Speilberg's $250 million 'Seven Seas' yacht with Tom Hanks|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1114725-michelle-obama-crusies-on-steven-speilbergs-250-million-seven-seas-yacht-with-tom-hanks|access-date=August 5, 2024|website=The News International}}</ref>

Spielberg has usually supported [[Democratic Party (United States)|U.S. Democratic Party]] candidates. He has donated over $800,000 to the Democratic party and its nominees. He has been a close friend of former president [[Bill Clinton]] and worked with the president for the USA Millennium celebrations. He directed an 18-minute film for the project, scored by [[John Williams]] and entitled ''The American Journey''. It was shown at America's Millennium Gala on December 31, 1999, in the [[National Mall]] at the [[Reflecting Pool]] at the base of the [[Lincoln Memorial]] in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 1, 2000 |title=The Clintons' Showbiz Celebration |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/586684.stm |access-date=October 21, 2006 |archive-date=February 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225164721/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/586684.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Spielberg endorsed [[Hillary Clinton]] in the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 presidential election]]; he donated $1 million to [[Priorities USA Action]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Iacob |first=Ivona |date=May 27, 2016 |title=The Top Donors Backing Hillary Clinton's Super PAC |newspaper=[[Forbes]] |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ivonaiacob/2016/05/27/top-donors-hillary-clinton-superpac/#259f3ea42740 |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517211223/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ivonaiacob/2016/05/27/top-donors-hillary-clinton-superpac/#259f3ea42740 |archive-date=May 17, 2019}}</ref>

 

 

In February 2008, Spielberg resigned as advisor to the [[2008 Summer Olympics]] in response to the Chinese government's inaction over the [[War in Darfur]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Abramowitz |first=Rachel |date=February 13, 2008 |title=Spielberg drops out as Beijing Olympics advisor |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-et-spielberg13feb13,1,7027646.story?ctrack=2&cset=true |url-status=dead |access-date=February 13, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603215030/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/feb/13/entertainment/et-spielberg13 |archive-date=June 3, 2008}}</ref> Spielberg said in a statement, "I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue business as usual [...] Sudan's government bears the bulk of the responsibility for these on-going crimes, but the international community, and particularly China, should be doing more."<ref>{{cite news |date=February 13, 2008 |title=Spielberg in Darfur snub to China |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7242016.stm |url-status=live |access-date=May 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407065818/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7242016.stm |archive-date=April 7, 2008}}</ref> The [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) respected Spielberg's decision but IOC president [[Jacques Rogge]] expressed disappointment: "[Spielberg] certainly would have brought a lot to the opening ceremony in terms of creativity."<ref>{{cite news |date=February 15, 2008 |title=Rogge respect for Spielberg move |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/7247590.stm |access-date=May 16, 2008 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807170906/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/7247590.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Chinese state media called Spielberg's comments "unfair".<ref>{{cite news |last=Bristow |first=Michael |date=February 20, 2008 |title=China hits back over Olympics row |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7254479.stm |access-date=May 16, 2008 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807185841/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7254479.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2008, Spielberg and his wife offered their support to [[same-sex marriage in California]] by issuing a statement following their donation of $100,000 to the "No on [[California Proposition 8 (2008)|Proposition 8]]" campaign fund, a figure equal to the amount of money [[Brad Pitt]] donated to the same campaign less than a week prior.<ref>{{cite web |last=Serpe |first=Gina |date=September 23, 2008 |title=Spielberg Makes Like Pitt, Supports Same-Sex Marriage |url=http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/b30446_Spielberg_Makes_Like_Pitt__Supports_Same_Sex_Marriage.html |access-date=March 2, 2010 |website=[[E! Online]] |archive-date=October 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007044448/http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/b30446_Spielberg_Makes_Like_Pitt__Supports_Same_Sex_Marriage.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, Spielberg and his wife donated $500,000 to the [[March for Our Lives]] student demonstration in favor of gun control in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Sandra |date=February 21, 2018 |title=Oprah, Steven Spielberg also donating to March For Our Lives, following George Clooney's pledge |work=[[CNN]] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/20/entertainment/oprah-march-for-our-lives-donation/index.html |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608103404/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/20/entertainment/oprah-march-for-our-lives-donation/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

 

 

== Filmography ==

On November 19, 2013, Spielberg was honored by the [[National Archives and Records Administration]] with a Records of Achievement Award. Spielberg was given two [[facsimile]]s of the [[13th Amendment to the United States Constitution|13th Amendment]]; the first which passed in 1861 but was not ratified, and the second signed by [[Abraham Lincoln]] in 1865 to abolish slavery. The amendment and the process of passing it were the subject of his film ''Lincoln''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ted |date=November 21, 2013 |title=Steven Spielberg Honored by National Archives |url=https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/steven-spielberg-honored-by-national-archives-1200861205/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184317/https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/steven-spielberg-honored-by-national-archives-1200861205/ |archive-date=January 1, 2021 |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref> On November 24, 2015, Spielberg was awarded the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] from [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]] at the [[White House]].<ref>{{cite web |date=November 16, 2015 |title=President Obama Names Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/11/16/president-obama-names-recipients-presidential-medal-freedom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128065413/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/11/16/president-obama-names-recipients-presidential-medal-freedom |archive-date=January 28, 2017 |access-date=November 16, 2015 |work=[[whitehouse.gov]] |via=[[National Archives and Records Administration|National Archives]]}}</ref>

 

<!--Table is for nominations & wins received only by films directed by Spielberg. DO NOT INCLUDE MOVIES THAT WERE ONLY PRODUCED BY HIM & WEREN'T DIRECTED BY HIM-->

{| class="wikitable"

|website=The Film Stage|date=May 23, 2024 }}</ref> [[Gareth Edwards (director)|Gareth Edwards]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Jagernauth |first=Kevin |date=May 1, 2014 |title=Watch: Gareth Edwards Names His 3 Filmmaking Heroes Plus New 'Godzilla' Featurette Goes Behind The Scenes |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2014/05/watch-gareth-edwards-names-his-3-filmmaking-heroes-plus-new-godzilla-featurette-goes-behind-the-scenes-86492/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618113656/https://www.indiewire.com/2014/05/watch-gareth-edwards-names-his-3-filmmaking-heroes-plus-new-godzilla-featurette-goes-behind-the-scenes-86492/ |archive-date=June 18, 2016 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |work=[[IndieWire]]}}</ref> [[Roland Emmerich]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Vo |first=Alex |date=November 10, 2009 |title=Five Favorite Films with Roland Emmerich |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/2012/news/1854593/five-favorite-films-with-roland-emmerich/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617060408/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/2012/news/1854593/five-favorite-films-with-roland-emmerich/ |archive-date=June 17, 2013 |access-date=January 31, 2011 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> [[Enrique Gato]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.talentoabordo.com/en/cinema-and-theatre/enrique-gato-tad-the-lost-explorer | title=Enrique Gato, the father of Tadeo Jones &#124; Talento a Bordo }}</ref> [[Max Hechtman]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Satnick|first=Randi|title=The Real Deal: A look through the lens of a young Long Island filmmaker|url=https://issuu.com/yournewsmag/docs/yournewsmag_v6__5_kv_web__2_/s/127614|website=Your News Mag|access-date=February 4, 2024|language=en}}</ref> [[Don Hertzfeldt]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mufson |first=Beckett |date=April 5, 2015 |title=10 Confessions from 'Rejected Cartoons' Animator Don Hertzfeldt |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/4xqa8p/10-confessions-from-rejected-cartoons-animator-don-hertzfeldt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209011756/https://www.vice.com/en/article/4xqa8p/10-confessions-from-rejected-cartoons-animator-don-hertzfeldt |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=February 9, 2022 |website=[[Vice News|Vice]]}}</ref> [[Peter Jackson]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Goodsell |first=Luke |date=December 23, 2009 |title=Five Favorite Films With Peter Jackson |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1189344-lovely_bones/news/1861930/five_favorite_films_with_peter_jackson/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920202158/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1189344-lovely_bones/news/1861930/five_favorite_films_with_peter_jackson/ |archive-date=September 20, 2013 |access-date=January 31, 2011 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> Kal Ng,<ref>{{cite web |last=Xuan |first=Liu |date=October 2000 |title=Interview with Kal Ng |url=http://archive.sensesofcinema.com/contents/00/10/ng.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225150706/https://archive.sensesofcinema.com/contents/00/10/ng.html |archive-date=December 25, 2010 |access-date=January 31, 2011 |website=[[Senses of Cinema]]}}</ref> [[Jordan Peele]],<ref>https://www.slashfilm.com/1000455/how-jordan-peeles-us-and-nope-pay-homage-to-this-steven-spielberg-monster-movie-classic/</ref> [[Robert Rodriguez]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Yamato |first=Jen |date=July 25, 2009 |title=Five Favorite Films with Robert Rodriguez |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/comic_con_2009/news/1834188/five_favorite_films_with_robert_rodriguez/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302180203/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/comic_con_2009/news/1834188/five_favorite_films_with_robert_rodriguez |archive-date=March 2, 2010 |access-date=January 31, 2011 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> [[John Sayles]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sayles |first1=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0cGjdRbHCyYC |title=John Sayles: interviews |last2=Carson |first2=Dan |publisher=[[University Press of Mississippi]] |year=1999 |isbn=978-1-57806-138-9 |pages=98 |access-date=October 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184223/https://books.google.com/books?id=0cGjdRbHCyYC |archive-date=January 1, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ridley Scott]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ridley |first1=Scott |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kpF6yekYJeEC |title=Ridley Scott: interviews |last2=Knapp |first2=Laurence F. |last3=Kulas |first3=Andrea F. |publisher=[[University Press of Mississippi]] |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-57806-726-8 |pages=184 |access-date=October 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101184239/https://books.google.com/books?id=kpF6yekYJeEC |archive-date=January 1, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[John Singleton]],<ref>{{cite book |author1=Barboza |first=Craigh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nrTB2Uf7kEIC |title=John Singleton: Interviews |publisher=[[University Press of Mississippi]] |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-60473-116-3 |pages=ix}}</ref> and [[Kevin Smith]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Vo |first=Alex |date=October 27, 2008 |title=Five Favorite Films with Kevin Smith |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1190296-zack_and_miri_make_a_porno/news/1776943/five_favorite_films_with_kevin_smith/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718185710/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1190296-zack_and_miri_make_a_porno/news/1776943/five_favorite_films_with_kevin_smith/ |archive-date=July 18, 2010 |access-date=January 31, 2011 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref>

 

 

Critics of Spielberg have argued that his films are commonly sentimental and [[Moralism|moralistic]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heath |first=Glenn Jr. |date=April 14, 2011 |title=Review: Steven Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence on Paramount Blu-ray |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/dvd/a-i-artificial-intelligence-bd/ |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[Slant Magazine]] |language=en-US |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313093605/https://www.slantmagazine.com/dvd/a-i-artificial-intelligence-bd/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Thorsen |first=Tor |title=A.I.: Artificial Intelligence |url=http://www.reel.com/movie.asp?MID=131724&Tab=reviews&CID=13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210071037/http://www.reel.com/movie.asp?MID=131724&Tab=reviews&CID=13 |archive-date=February 10, 2008 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Reel.com}}</ref><ref name="Rowley">{{cite web |author=Rowley, Stephen |date=February 6, 2006 |title=Steven Spielberg |url=http://www.sensesofcinema.com/2006/great-directors/spielberg/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305063853/http://www.sensesofcinema.com/contents/directors/06/spielberg.html |archive-date=March 5, 2008 |access-date=March 16, 2007 |website=[[Senses of Cinema]]}}</ref> In ''[[Easy Riders, Raging Bulls]]'', [[Peter Biskind]] wrote that Spielberg is "infantilizing the audience, reconstituting the spectator as child, then overwhelming him and her with sound and spectacle, obliterating irony, aesthetic self-consciousness, and critical reflection".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Biskind |first=Peter|author-link=Peter Biskind|title=Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex-Drugs-and-Rock 'N Roll Generation Saved Hollywood |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |year=1998 |isbn=978-0684857084 |location=New York|oclc=38389788}}</ref> Critic [[Ray Carney]] and actor [[Crispin Glover]] opined that Spielberg's works lack depth and do not take risks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carney |first=Ray |author-link=Ray Carney |date=2003 |title=There's no Business like Show Business |url=https://people.bu.edu/rcarney/carncult/showbiz.shtml |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=Carney on Culture |publisher=[[Boston University]] |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225030954/https://people.bu.edu/rcarney/carncult/showbiz.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Glover |first=Crispin |author-link=Crispin Glover |title=What Is It? |url=http://thecrispincorner.com/essay.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060503191918/http://thecrispincorner.com/essay.html |archive-date=May 3, 2006 |access-date=September 1, 2007 |website=The Crispin Corner}}</ref> Filmmaker [[Jean-Luc Godard]] opined that Spielberg was partly responsible for the lack of artistic merit in mainstream cinema, and accused Spielberg of using ''Schindler's List'' to profit from a tragedy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gibron |first=Bill |date=April 20, 2007 |title=Short Cuts – Forgotten Gems: In Praise of Love (2001) |url=https://www.popmatters.com/short-cuts-forgotten-gems-in-praise-of-love-2001-2496204237.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203090823/https://www.popmatters.com/short-cuts-forgotten-gems-in-praise-of-love-2001-2496204237.html |archive-date=December 3, 2022 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[PopMatters]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In defense of Spielberg, critic [[Roger Ebert]] said "Has Godard or any other director living or dead done more than Spielberg, with his Holocaust Project, to honor and preserve the memories of the survivors?"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |date=October 18, 2002 |title=In Praise of Love movie review (2002) |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/in-praise-of-love-2002 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=[[RogerEbert.com]] |language=en |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204173527/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/in-praise-of-love-2002 |url-status=live }}</ref>