Spielberg credits childhood 8mm filmmaking for enduring creative drive
The director honored by the Museum of Modern Art said the curiosity that led him to make home movies at age 12 has never faded.
By Liam O'Connor ·
Steven Spielberg has directed more than 35 feature films over a career spanning several decades. Despite this extensive filmography, he maintains that the initial spark of his creative process remains intact. He told The Associated Press at Thursday’s gala that he still feels the same enthusiasm he had when he was 12 years old.
The director was honored at the Museum of Modern Art’s annual film benefit on a rainy evening in New York. He reflected on his transition from a young filmmaker making small Westerns on 8mm film at home to a veteran director. Spielberg stated that getting older has not diminished that early excitement.
He placed particular value on the recognition from MoMA. The institution was among the first to classify film as an art form in the mid-1930s. Spielberg noted that this distinction treated cinema as more than a technological novelty or a concession. He described it as a genuine artistic medium.
Spielberg’s body of work includes iconic titles such as Jaws, Jurassic Park, and the Indiana Jones series. He has also directed historical dramas like Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List. The latter film earned him three Academy Awards in 1994, including the best director award.
He explained that he rarely selects a specific genre before beginning a project. Instead, he allows stories to approach him unexpectedly. Spielberg cited E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as an example of an idea that arrived out of the blue. The 1982 film became one of his most recognized works.
The director compared his working method to that of a chameleon. He said he adapts to the environment of the story rather than imposing a consistent style. Spielberg admired directors who emerge from different creative holes each time instead of repeating the same approach.
The event featured performances by Tom Cruise, Ariana DeBose, and Bruce Springsteen. Celebrity attendees included Robert De Niro, Michelle Williams, Drew Barrymore, and Emily Blunt. Martin Scorsese, a longtime friend of Spielberg, was present to celebrate the director.
In his acceptance speech, Spielberg emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking. He stated that standing alone on stage felt incorrect because the work requires a team. He noted that such recognition reminds him that he has never worked in isolation. The annual benefit supports the preservation and acquisition of films for the museum's collection, with sponsorship from Chanel since 2011.
