ADVERTISEMENT

Last Updated:
2024-03-12 10:38:45

Steven Spielberg

Iconic film director, 'Jurassic Park'
Iconic film director, 'Jurassic Park'

Steven Spielberg is a highly successful American filmmaker known for directing blockbuster films. He has won numerous awards and accolades for his work, including multiple Academy Awards. Spielberg's films are considered culturally significant and he is recognized as one of the most influential people in the industry.

Community for Timeline Editors
Place where unique editors like you interact
1946-12-18
Birth of Steven Spielberg

Steven Allan Spielberg, an American filmmaker, was born on December 18, 1946 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He later became a major figure in the New Hollywood era and a pioneer of the modern blockbuster.

1947-12-18
Birth of Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 18th.

1949-12-31
Family Moves to Haddon Township

In 1950, Steven Spielberg's family moved to Haddon Township, New Jersey when his father got a job with RCA. Three years later, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

1952
Spielberg's Family Move to Haddon Township

In 1952, Spielberg's family moved to Haddon Township, New Jersey after his father was hired by RCA.

1958-01-01
Spielberg joins Boy Scouts

In 1958, Steven Spielberg became a Boy Scout, showcasing his early interest in leadership and outdoor activities.

1960
Rewards

No specific details provided about the rewards received by Steven Spielberg in 1960.

1962-12-31
Spielberg's First Independent Film 'Firelight'

At age sixteen, Spielberg wrote and directed his first independent film called 'Firelight', a science fiction adventure made for $500 with funding from his father.

1964-03-29
Creation of Firelight

On March 29, 1964, Steven Spielberg created the film Firelight, marking one of his early works in the film industry.

1968-12-18
Opportunity at Universal Studios

While still a student, Steven Spielberg was offered a directing contract by Universal Studios after impressing with his short film 'Amblin'. This opportunity marked the beginning of his professional directing career.

1969
Amblin shown at Atlanta Film Festival

In 1969, Steven Spielberg's twenty-two-minute short film 'Amblin' was showcased at the Atlanta Film Festival, leading to him becoming the youngest director to sign a long-term deal with a major Hollywood studio.

1971
Duel

Spielberg's first film, Duel, was a made-for-television action-packed thriller that showcased his talent for building suspense. Completed in just 13 days, the film stars Dennis Weaver as a motorist pursued by an unseen truck driver, transforming an everyday drive into a harrowing battle for survival.

1974
The Sugarland Express

Steven Spielberg's directorial debut follows a gripping tale of a troubled couple fleeing the law to save their child. Goldie Hawn's stellar acting and Spielberg's blend of drama and suspense set this film apart as a standout piece of cinema.

1975-04-22
First Successful Film

On April 22, 1975, Steven Spielberg achieved success with his first commercially successful film, marking a milestone in his filmmaking career.

1975-06-19
Directing 'Jaws'

Spielberg was offered the director's chair for 'Jaws', a thriller-horror film about a killer shark, by studio producers Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown.

1975-06-20
Directing Jaws

Steven Spielberg directed the thriller-horror film 'Jaws', which became his first blockbuster success. Despite facing challenges during production, the film went on to win multiple Academy Awards and solidified Spielberg's reputation in Hollywood.

1976
Meeting Amy Irving

Spielberg met actress Amy Irving in 1976 when she auditioned for Close Encounters of the Third Kind. They eventually started dating and got married in 1985.

1977-11-16
Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' about UFOs was a critical and commercial success, earning him accolades and nominations at the Academy Awards. This film further established Spielberg as a prominent director.

1978
I Wanna Hold Your Hand

Spielberg's first film as an executive producer was I Wanna Hold Your Hand, the directorial debut of Robert Zemeckis. It was not a commercial success.

1979
1941

Spielberg's unique comedy set in Los Angeles after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor features an ensemble cast and showcases his ability in handling large-scale comedic sequences. Despite criticism for its chaotic plot, the film's ambitious comedic endeavors and technical achievements make it an interesting watch.

1981-06
Raiders of the Lost Ark

Raiders of the Lost Ark is a legendary action-adventure film that introduced the iconic character Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford. Developed over about two years, the movie set a new standard for the genre with its exhilarating tale of archaeology, ancient artifacts, and high-stakes adventure.

1982
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Spielberg returned to science fiction with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, a heartwarming story of a boy befriending an alien trying to return home. The film was a massive success, grossing $700 million worldwide and winning four Academy Awards.

1984
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, released in 1984, follows the adventurous archaeologist as he embarks on a perilous journey to recover a mystical stone and save a village from an evil cult. The film is known for its darker tone compared to other Indiana Jones movies.

1985-11-27
Release of Jaws

Steven Spielberg achieved his first major box-office success with the release of the film Jaws.

1987
Empire of the Sun

Empire of the Sun, released in 1987, is a war drama directed by Steven Spielberg that follows a young boy's journey of survival during World War II. The film showcases Spielberg's ability to capture emotional depth and human resilience.

1989-01-01
Divorce from Amy Irving

Steven Spielberg divorced Amy Irving on January 1, 1989.

1989-02-02
Divorce from Amy Irving

After three and a half years of marriage, Spielberg and Amy Irving divorced in 1989 due to career pressures. Their divorce was highly publicized and marked a significant personal event for Spielberg.

1991-07-27
2nd Marriage

Steven Spielberg got married for the second time on July 27, 1991.

1991-10-12
Second Marriage with Kate Capshaw

Steven Spielberg married actress Kate Capshaw on October 12, 1991, after meeting her during the filming of 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'. Their relationship marked a new chapter in Spielberg's personal life.

1993-06-08
Release of 'Jurassic Park'

Spielberg directed the film adaptation of Michael Crichton's novel 'Jurassic Park', featuring genetically engineered dinosaurs, which became the highest-grossing film of all time at that point.

1994-03-21
First Director Oscar for Schindler's List

In 1994, Spielberg won his first Academy Award for Best Director for the movie 'Schindler's List'. This recognition further solidified his position as a leading director in the industry.

1994-10-12
Founding DreamWorks Studio

Taking a break from directing, Spielberg co-founded DreamWorks studio in 1994 with partners, focusing on family and business ventures. This move diversified his career portfolio.

1995
Involvement in designing The Dig game

In 1995, Steven Spielberg helped create and design LucasArts' adventure game The Dig, showcasing his interest and involvement in the gaming industry.

1996
Release of Steven Spielberg's Director's Chair game

In 1996, the game Steven Spielberg's Director's Chair, a collaboration between Spielberg and Knowledge Adventure, was released, allowing players to experience directing under Spielberg's guidance.

1997
Amistad

Amistad, released in 1997, is a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg that tells the story of the 1839 mutiny on the slave ship La Amistad. The film explores themes of freedom, justice, and human rights.

1998-07
Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan, directed by Spielberg, redefined the war film genre with its graphic and realistic portrayal of World War II. The intense journey of rescuing a single soldier stranded in hostile territory is brought to life by Tom Hanks and Matt Damon.

1999-03-21
Second Director Oscar for Saving Private Ryan

Spielberg won his second Academy Award for Best Director in 1999 for 'Saving Private Ryan'. The film's success further cemented Spielberg's reputation as a masterful director.

2000
Publication of 'Steven Spielberg: Interviews' by Steven Spielberg, Lester D. Friedman, and Brent Notbohm

In 2000, Steven Spielberg, Lester D. Friedman, and Brent Notbohm collaborated on a book titled 'Steven Spielberg: Interviews', offering a collection of interviews with the filmmaker.

2001
A.I. Artificial Intelligence

A.I. Artificial Intelligence, released in 2001, is a science fiction drama directed by Steven Spielberg that explores the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. The film delves into themes of love, identity, and the nature of consciousness.

2002
Catch Me If You Can

Catch Me If You Can, released in 2002, is a biographical crime film directed by Steven Spielberg that tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a con artist who successfully performed cons worth millions of dollars. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.

2003
Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2003, Steven Spielberg was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located on 6801 Hollywood Boulevard.

2004
The Terminal

The Terminal, released in 2004, is a comedy-drama film directed by Steven Spielberg that follows the story of an Eastern European man who becomes stranded in a New York airport terminal. The film explores themes of immigration, friendship, and bureaucracy.

2005
Munich

Munich, released in 2005, is a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg that tells the story of the Israeli government's secret retaliation against the Palestinian terrorists responsible for the Munich massacre during the 1972 Olympics. The film explores themes of justice, revenge, and the cycle of violence.

2006-07-15
Gold Hugo Lifetime Achievement Award

On July 15, 2006, Steven Spielberg was awarded the Gold Hugo Lifetime Achievement Award at the Summer Gala of the Chicago International Film Festival.

2006-12-03
Kennedy Center Honor

In December 3, 2006, Steven Spielberg was awarded a Kennedy Center Honor.

2007
Publication of 'The Cinema of Steven Spielberg: Empire of Light' by Nigel Morris

In 2007, Nigel Morris authored a book titled 'The Cinema of Steven Spielberg: Empire of Light', delving into the cinematic world created by Steven Spielberg.

2008-02
Visual Effects Society Lifetime Achievement Award

In February 2008, Steven Spielberg received the Visual Effects Society Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to the visual effects industry.

2008-06
Hugh Downs Award for Communication Excellence

In June 2008, Steven Spielberg received Arizona State University's Hugh Downs Award for Communication Excellence.

2009-10
Philadelphia Liberty Medal

In October 2009, Steven Spielberg received the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, presented by former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

2011-12-25
Release of War Horse

Spielberg released the film 'War Horse' based on Michael Morpurgo's novel, depicting the friendship between a British boy and his horse during World War I. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for six Academy Awards.

2012-11
Release of Lincoln

Spielberg directed the historical drama 'Lincoln', starring Daniel Day-Lewis as President Abraham Lincoln. The film focused on the final four months of Lincoln's life and was highly acclaimed, earning over $250 million worldwide and receiving twelve Academy Award nominations.

2013-11-19
Records of Achievement Award

On November 19, 2013, Steven Spielberg was honored by the National Archives and Records Administration with a Records of Achievement Award.

2015-10-16
Release of Bridge of Spies

Spielberg directed 'Bridge of Spies', a Cold War thriller based on the 1960 U-2 incident. The film starred Tom Hanks and was popular with critics, earning six Academy Award nominations and winning Best Supporting Actor for Mark Rylance.

2015-11-24
Presidential Medal of Freedom

On November 24, 2015, Steven Spielberg was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama at the White House.

2016-07-01
Release of The BFG

Spielberg directed the adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's book 'The BFG'. The film was co-produced and released by Walt Disney Pictures, marking Spielberg's first Disney-branded film. 'The BFG' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received fair reviews.

2017
The Post

The Post, released in 2017, is a historical political thriller directed by Steven Spielberg that tells the story of The Washington Post's decision to publish the Pentagon Papers in the face of government opposition. The film stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks.

2018-01-12
Release of The Post

Spielberg directed 'The Post', an account of The Washington Post's printing of the Pentagon Papers. Starring Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, the film received positive reception for its portrayal of tension and life in conveying the story.

2021-06-21
Amblin Entertainment Deal with Netflix

Amblin Entertainment signed a deal with Netflix to produce multiple feature films for the streaming service. The collaboration aims to release at least two films per year.

2022-03-27
How Steven Spielberg Dominated Culture and the 1994 Oscars With 'Jurassic Park' and 'Schindler's List'

An exploration of Steven Spielberg's influence on culture and his dominance at the 1994 Oscars with the films 'Jurassic Park' and 'Schindler's List.'

2022-11-11
The Fabelmans Theatrical Release

Steven Spielberg's film The Fabelmans, a fictionalized account of his adolescence, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. It received critical acclaim and won the festival's People's Choice Award.

2023-01-18
John Williams Documentary Executive Production

Steven Spielberg announced his executive production of a documentary about John Williams, directed by Laurent Bouzereau. The documentary involves prominent production companies and key industry figures.

2023-06-30
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Release Date

Steven Spielberg was initially planned to direct Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny but stepped down and was replaced by James Mangold. The film's release date was postponed multiple times due to script changes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

2024-01-26
Masters of the Air Premiere

HBO confirmed the development of the World War II miniseries Masters of the Air, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. The series premiered on Apple TV+.

2024-03-26
Steven Spielberg alarmed by rise of antisemitism

Steven Spielberg expresses growing concern over the increasing incidents of antisemitism.

2024-03-30
Steven Spielberg's Swap Deal With Martin Scorsese

Steven Spielberg talks about a swap deal with Martin Scorsese, expressing uncertainty about the audience response.

2024-04-01
Steven Spielberg hails 'brilliant' Dune: Part Two

Steven Spielberg praises the movie 'Dune: Part Two' as 'brilliant'.

End of the Timeline
Steven Spielberg

Information

Steven Spielberg

Iconic film director, 'Jurassic Park'
Last Updated:

🫵Contribute to this content!
Your input benefits people around the world
See something to add or edit? Simply click the edit button below to make a difference! All you need is a quick sign in.
💬Join our discord community!
Connect and collaborate
Become part of our vibrant community! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other passionate editors.
Join Discord

Event

Last Updated:

🫵Contribute to this content!
Your input benefits people around the world
See something to add or edit? Simply click the edit button below to make a difference! All you need is a quick sign in.
💬Join our discord community!
Connect and collaborate
Become part of our vibrant community! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other passionate editors.
Join Discord
Become an Editor of Timeline Wiki
Become an Editor of
Timeline Wiki
USD $0 for creating and editing infinite number of timelines after sign up.