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Steven Spielberg

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.

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Timeline

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.

Birth of Steven Spielberg

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

Creation of Firelight

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

First Successful Film

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Release of Jaws

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

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.

Divorce from Amy Irving

Steven Spielberg divorced Amy Irving on January 1, 1989.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kennedy Center Honor

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

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.

Hugh Downs Award for Communication Excellence

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

End of the Timeline
Steven Spielberg

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