Does Steven Spielberg Have an Oscars Curse? | 2023 In Review
Dec 28, 2023
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Guest Michael Schulman, New York Times journalist, discusses Steven Spielberg's 'Oscars Curse' as they explore his lack of recognition at the Academy Awards. Topics include Spielberg's desire to win, the cultural significance of the Oscars, and the potential impact of his latest film 'The Fabelmans'.
Steven Spielberg has a history of both success and losses at the Oscars, with only three wins out of 22 nominations.
One notable clash in Spielberg's Oscar journey was losing Best Picture to 'Shakespeare in Love' in 1998, highlighting the cutthroat nature of Oscar campaigns.
Deep dives
Spielberg's History with the Oscars
Steven Spielberg, despite his immense success in the film industry, has had a tumultuous relationship with the Academy Awards. He has been nominated multiple times and has won several Oscars, including Best Director for "Schindler's List." However, Spielberg has also experienced numerous losses, and many of his films have failed to secure Best Picture awards. These losses have garnered attention, with some dubbing it Spielberg's "Oscar Curse."
The Rivalry with Harvey Weinstein
One notable clash in Spielberg's Oscar journey was his film "Saving Private Ryan" losing the Best Picture award to "Shakespeare in Love" in 1998. These two films were pitted against each other in a heated campaign season, with Miramax, headed by Harvey Weinstein, aggressively campaigning for "Shakespeare in Love." The loss left Spielberg and his team feeling bitter and reinforced the cutthroat nature of Oscar campaigns in Hollywood.
Spielberg's Personal Pursuit
Steven Spielberg's latest film, "The Fablemans," is a deeply personal project that delves into his own family history and explores his relationship with his parents. The movie aims to capture his father's influence and Spielberg's own desire to make sense of his world through the lens of a film camera. Despite the personal nature of the film, its chances of winning at the Oscars remain uncertain.
While the What Next team spends some time with their families this week, we revisit some of 2023’s biggest, strangest, and best stories. Regularly scheduled programming resumes Jan. 2.
For all of his success, Steven Spielberg has a spotty record at the Oscars. He’s been nominated 22 times, but he’s only won three. Is it a curse?
This Sunday could mark a shift for the King of Hollywood’s five decades in the industry. And with The Fabelmans this year, it’s personal.
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