**Steven Spielberg** (1946) is an influential American director, screenwriter, and producer, among the most iconic and successful figures in cinema history. He redefined the concept of the blockbuster, combining large-scale entertainment with profound storytelling.

His career is studded with successes, starting with the thriller *Jaws* (1975), which inaugurated the era of summer blockbusters. He then enchanted audiences with science fiction and adventure masterpieces such as *Close Encounters of the Third Kind* (1977), *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* (1982), the *Indiana Jones* saga, and *Jurassic Park* (1993), often exploring themes of childlike wonder, discovery, and family.

In the 1990s, Spielberg pivoted towards intense historical dramas, winning the Oscar for Best Director and Best Picture with *Schindler's List* (1993) and again for Best Director with *Saving Private Ryan* (1998). His style is recognizable for his masterful visual storytelling, innovative use of special effects, and his ability to explore both the fantastical and moral dilemmas and human history.