Steven Spielberg has always been a name that is synonymous with great action films. From Jurassic Park to Indiana Jones, Spielberg has been at the forefront of some of the greatest action films ever made. And with the Oscars being the biggest awards ceremony in Hollywood, you would think that Spielberg’s films would be acknowledged on the grandest stage of all.
However, there have been a number of occasions where the Academy Awards have overlooked some of Spielberg’s work. This is unarguably one of the biggest discrepancies in Hollywood, as Spielberg’s films are among the most celebrated action films ever made.
But despite being overlooked in the past, the iconic director has been kind enough to share his thoughts on some great action films that he believes the Oscars may have overlooked. Here is a closer look at some of these films:
The Bourne Trilogy
Despite grossing over $1 billion and becoming one of the most recognized action series of all time, The Bourne Trilogy was never awarded a single Oscar. While it’s true that the trilogy was not always the most critically acclaimed, its lack of recognition in the technical categories such as editing, sound mixing, and sound editing is difficult to understand.
Spielberg had stated that the Bourne Trilogy was “a significant contribution to the action genre” and that he was surprised to see it overlooked for awards. Given the franchise’s impact on the action film industry and Matt Damon’s iconic performance, this statement from Spielberg speaks volumes about the quality of the franchise.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout
With Tom Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts for the Mission: Impossible franchise, it is surprising that the series has never been recognized at the Oscars. And while the franchise has had its shares of ups and downs, it is impossible to deny the sheer adrenaline rush that the latest installment, Fallout, provided to its audience.
Fallout has become the highest rated and the most successful Mission: Impossible film to date, grossing almost $800 million globally. Spielberg, who has always been a fan of Cruise’s work, was quick to praise the film, stating that the action sequences in Fallout were “some of the best ever filmed.”
Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road was widely considered as one of the most visually striking and ambitious action films ever created. Its post-apocalyptic setting, practical effects, and epic action scenes have become the stuff of legend in the world of action films. And yet, despite garnering ten nominations, it only won six.
Spielberg, who has always been a great admirer of director George Miller, praised Mad Max: Fury Road and its director for their inclusion of strong female characters in a film so heavily rooted in the action genre. It is no secret that Miller had to battle a lot of obstacles to bring his vision to the screen, which only makes Fury Road’s success even more impressive.
John Wick: Chapter 2
Perhaps one of the most underrated films in the action genre, John Wick: Chapter 2 was a tour-de-force of gunplay and action choreography. The film’s central character, played by Keanu Reeves, has become one of the most iconic action heroes of the 21st century.
Despite being a box office hit and receiving critical acclaim for its action sequences, John Wick: Chapter 2 failed to attract any attention from the Academy. Spielberg, who has always been an advocate for Keanu Reeves’ work, expressed disappointment that the film has been overlooked for awards.
In Conclusion
Steven Spielberg has always been a man of action, both in his personal life and in his films. So when the acclaimed director speaks about great action films, the world listens. While it is clear that the Oscars haven’t been as kind to action films as they should have been, this does not detract from the quality of the films listed above.
The films that Spielberg mentioned in his interviews are among the best action films ever made, and their influence can be felt across the action genre to this day. Whether you are a fan of madcap car chases or exhilarating fight scenes, these films are a true testament to the power of action cinema. They may not have received the awards they deserved, but their legacy will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.