Steven Spielberg's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Steven Spielberg. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Steven Spielberg is a highly influential American filmmaker, recognized as one of the greatest directors in cinematic history and a key figure in the New Hollywood era. He is also the highest-grossing film director of all time. Known as a pioneer of the modern blockbuster, Spielberg's filmography includes numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films considered among the greatest and highest-grossing ever made.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1968: Recognition of Best American Films

In 1968, Stanley Kauffmann created a list, where he later included Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and placed it first on his list of the best American films from 1968 to 1977.

1987: Awarded Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award

In 1987, Steven Spielberg was awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for his work as a creative producer.

1989: Launched Cinematography Merit Badge

In 1989, Steven Spielberg helped the Boy Scouts of America develop a merit badge in cinematography. Also In 1989, Spielberg was presented with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

1994: Honorary degree from University of Southern California

In 1994, Steven Spielberg received an honorary degree from the University of Southern California.

1995: Received AFI Life Achievement Award

In 1995, Steven Spielberg received the AFI Life Achievement Award.

1996: Named Most Influential Person of His Generation

In 1996, Life magazine named Steven Spielberg the most influential person of his generation.

1998: Awarded Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany

In 1998, Steven Spielberg was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by President Roman Herzog in recognition of Schindler's List and his work with the Shoah Foundation.

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August 1999: Spielberg and Hanks awarded Distinguished Public Service Medal

In August 1999, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks were awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal from the Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen for their work on Saving Private Ryan.

1999: Most popular director in Sky Premier poll

In 1999, Steven Spielberg had seven films in the top 100 in a "Millennium Movies" survey of British film fans run by the Sky Premier channel, making him the most popular director.

1999: Honorary degree from Brown University

In 1999, Steven Spielberg received an honorary degree from Brown University.

1999: Awarded Medal for Distinguished Public Service

In 1999, Steven Spielberg was awarded the Medal for Distinguished Public Service and an award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures by the Directors Guild of America for Saving Private Ryan.

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2001: Awarded Honorary Knighthood

In 2001, Steven Spielberg was awarded an honorary knighthood, Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the British film industry.

2002: Honorary degree from Yale University

In 2002, Steven Spielberg received an honorary degree from Yale University.

2003: Ranked Most Powerful Person in Movies

In 2003, Premiere magazine ranked Steven Spielberg first place in the list of 100 Most Powerful People in Movies.

2003: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame and Blessed are the Peacemakers Award

In 2003, Steven Spielberg received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was awarded the Blessed are the Peacemakers Award from the Catholic Theological Union.

2004: Awarded Legion of Honour

In 2004, Steven Spielberg was awarded France's highest civil honor, the Legion of Honour by President Jacques Chirac.

2005: Ranked Greatest Film Director of All Time

In 2005, Empire magazine ranked Steven Spielberg number one on a list of the greatest film directors of all time.

2005: Inducted into Science Fiction Hall of Fame

In 2005, Steven Spielberg was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame, the first year it considered non-literary contributors.

July 15, 2006: Awarded 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.

February 2008: Received Visual Effects Society Lifetime Achievement Award

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

June 2008: Received Hugh Downs Award

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

October 2009: Received Philadelphia Liberty Medal

In October 2009, Steven Spielberg received the Philadelphia Liberty Medal; the prize was presented by former US President Bill Clinton.

2009: Honorary degree from Boston University

In 2009, Steven Spielberg received an honorary degree from Boston University.

2009: Awarded Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 2009, Steven Spielberg was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for "outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment".

October 2011: Made Commander of the Order of the Belgian Crown

In October 2011, Steven Spielberg was made a Commander of the Order of the Belgian Crown, one of Belgium's highest honors.

November 19, 2013: Honored with 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 and given facsimiles of the 13th Amendment.