Steven Spielberg says he was surprised by Oscar snub for 'Jaws'

ANI June 19, 2025 279 views

Steven Spielberg opens up about his shock at not receiving a Best Director nomination for 'Jaws.' The film still won three Oscars, including Best Original Score for John Williams. A new documentary, 'Jaws @ 50,' explores the making and legacy of the classic thriller. It features interviews with top directors like James Cameron and Guillermo del Toro.

"When I wasn’t nominated, I was surprised. And I was disappointed." – Steven Spielberg
Washington DC, June 18: For acclaimed director Steven Spielberg, making 'Jaws' was an unforgettable and stressful experience. So much so that he thought the ordeal would land him a Best Director nod at the Academy Awards, reported People.

Key Points

1

Spielberg believed industry buzz would earn him a Best Director nod

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'Jaws' won three Oscars but lost Best Picture

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Documentary features Spielberg's only interview on the film’s 50th anniversary

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Includes insights from James Cameron, George Lucas, and Guillermo del Toro

The famed filmmaker recalled in National Geographic's upcoming documentary 'Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story'. "When a film is on the cusp of being considered for awards, it's not so much what you want for yourself -- it's what everyone else says is going to happen for you," said Spielberg, adding, "So I just understood, 'I guess I'm getting nominated."

"So when I wasn't, I was surprised. And I was disappointed," he shared. "Because I was believing the noise, and you have to not believe that stuff."

Despite Spielberg missing out on a Best Director nomination, 'Jaws' was nominated for four Oscars in 1976 and won three, only missing out in the Best Picture category.

John Williams took home Best Original Score for his iconic music, while the shark thriller also clinched trophies for Best Film Editing and Best Sound, reported People.

Directed by Laurent Bouzereau and produced in partnership with Spielberg's Amblin Documentaries, Jaws @ 50 includes the only interview with Spielberg about the movie's milestone 50th anniversary.

Other famed directors who appear in the documentary to reflect on Jaws' legacy include James Cameron, J.J. Abrams, George Lucas, Jordan Peele and Guillermo del Toro, reported People.

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story premieres July 10 on National Geographic.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Jaws is legendary! But honestly, Indian cinema has given us equally thrilling films like 'Dhund' or 'Bees Saal Baad' around that era. Spielberg's disappointment is understandable though - creating such an iconic film must've been exhausting. The music alone gives me chills! 🎵
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Priya M.
Oscar snubs happen to the best. Remember how Lagaan lost to No Man's Land? At least Jaws won 3 Oscars - that's more than most Bollywood films have even been nominated for. Spielberg should be proud of creating a film that still terrifies people 50 years later!
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Arjun S.
As a film student in Mumbai, Jaws is still taught as the perfect example of suspense building. The mechanical shark failures actually made it better - proving sometimes limitations create genius. Spielberg got the last laugh - he's now the most successful director ever!
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Neha T.
Interesting how he mentions "believing the noise" - this happens in Bollywood too where media creates award expectations. But unlike Hollywood, our awards often go to commercial hits rather than artistic merit. Maybe both industries need to rethink their criteria.
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Vikram J.
First watched Jaws on Doordarshan in the 90s with my whole family screaming at the TV! That John Williams score is permanently stuck in our heads. Awards come and go, but cultural impact lasts forever. Spielberg created something that crossed oceans to reach Indian audiences. 👏

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Tags:
Steven Spielberg Jaws Oscars Academy Awards National Geographic James Cameron George Lucas