Steven Allan Spielberg (born December 18, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio) is an acclaimed American film director, producer, and philanthropist, widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in history. A pioneer of the New Hollywood era and the modern blockbuster, he rose to prominence with films like Jaws (1975) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). His diverse portfolio spans science-fiction masterpieces such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Jurassic Park (1993), to historical dramas like Schindler's List (1993), which earned him his first Academy Award for Best Director and highlighted his commitment to Holocaust education and Jewish causes. As a patron of organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Spielberg has used his platform to support philanthropy, including founding the USC Shoah Foundation to preserve survivor testimonies. His work has grossed billions worldwide, making him the highest-grossing director ever, and he has received numerous accolades, including three Oscars, the AFI Life Achievement Award (1995), an honorary knighthood (2001), the Kennedy Center Honor (2006), the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2015), and the National Medal of Arts (2023). Beyond cinema, Spielberg is known for his Jewish heritage and advocacy, producing films like Amistad (1997) that address historical injustices.