Steven Spielberg's EGOTmania

I’d like to continue the positivity, because we badly need it:

Steven Spielberg’s one of my favourite directors. I know it’s cliché to say that, and even more cliché to praise his work, but he’s able to release two movies a year and have both be well-received. He’s also a workman’s director, able to tackle various subjects in a common and relatable way. In short, he’s quite talented. And actors love working with him.

I mention this in light of recent news. The Grammys were this past week, and one of the big moments was Spielberg receiving a Grammy for his producer role on a video about John Williams. I don’t watch The Grammys, I only have time for one schlocky ceremony, but this is huge! It grants Spielberg the coveted EGOT status, something only 28 artists have achieved. And since Spielberg’s turning 80, it gives me hope that I can still achieve success.

Truthfully, this was a long time coming. Spielberg’s one of the greats, having broken into the industry when Hollywood was receptive to talents like him. He’s one of the longest and most well-respected Movie Brats, right up there with Martin Scorsese, George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola. But what makes him unique is his refusal to pigeonhole himself, instead oscillating between dramas, action movies and thrillers, often in the same year. He’s also had a career as a producer, helping directors like Barry Sonnenfeld, Robert Zemeckis and Michael Bay. And let’s not forget his friendship with composer John Williams, who’s scored most of his work.

For Steven Spielberg to achieve EGOT status is a big deal and overdue. Spielberg isn’t normally one to brag about his achievements, but it’s worth remembering that he won his first Oscar with Schindler’s List. That means he went over three decades without one, despite having plenty of movies that warranted it. He now has 3 Oscars to his name. So that he was able to wow audiences despite overdue recognition says something, and that goes for his other awards too.

There’s been much debate about Spielberg in film circles: is his dramatic work better than his action work? Is he the best? Is he even that good a director? The answers vary, but I don’t think it matters long-term. Spielberg’s work is so varied that all you need to do is watch it. It doesn’t matter if it’s Jaws or Saving Private Ryan, it’s easy to pick favourites even if you prefer other directors. I think that’s more important.

I also should admit that not everything about Spielberg’s flawless. He’s directed and produced bad movies before, and he’s made out-there statements that sound whiny. His conversations with George Lucas about Indiana Jones, particularly Indy’s romantic life, also haven’t aged well. But that’s irrelevant to his achievements. Even “bad Spielberg” has more to say than many movies from other directors, and his missteps are minimal compared to his colleagues. That most audiences still recognize his work speaks volumes, especially when big, expensive blockbuster IPs are household names as opposed to the people directing them.

There’s not much to discuss that hasn’t already been touched on. He’s a master of one take scenes. He’s a pro at executing Chekhov’s Gun. He rarely directs sequels, and even there he’s made some greats. And the franchises he started have suffered once he handed the keys to someone else, the Jurassic Park movies specifically. Even directing Ready Player One, which was controversial, felt like a natural choice, and I can’t imagine anyone else doing it in retrospect.

This is to say that, in spite of anything positive or negative, Spielberg achieving EGOT status is well-earned. Not every artist is as accomplished or busybody as him, so to finally get to that level is should indicate that no one should give up hope. Remember, Spielberg’s turning 80. If an artist can be working at the twilight of their career and still receive recognition, then you can be adventurous in your youth and not worry about peaking. So go, live out your dreams! What have you got to lose?

Personally, Steven Spielberg receiving EGOT status has renewed the passion in my own work. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m working on a novel that’s really personal to me. It’s been tough, and tiring, and there were moments where I felt like I’d stagnated. I know novel writing isn’t easy, and I was probably being too hard on myself, but the feeling of exhaustion has crept in several times. There were even moments where I wanted to give up.

So that one of my favourite directors could achieve something only 27 other artists have achieved, and at his age? It renewed my passion. And yes, I’m aware I still have a long way to go to being published. I’m also aware that it’ll be a difficult road. But thanks to this news, I’m willing to persevere. I only hope the passion continues for years to come.

Here’s to you, Steven Spielberg! May you one day achieve the more-illusive PEGOT status, and I’m looking forward to seeing Disclosure Day.