Steven Spielberg Thinks 'The Dark Knight' Should Have Earned A Best Picture Oscar Nom & Is "Encouraged" By Blockbusters Getting Noms

You can’t really talk about the history of blockbuster filmmaking without mentioning Steven Spielberg. You could argue the summer blockbuster was created by his film, “Jaws,” decades ago. Now, with films such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” not just earning huge money at cinemas but also receiving Oscars recognition, Spielberg thinks it’s encouraging to see blockbusters get their credit by the Academy. In fact, he believes it’s long overdue, as there’s one film in his mind that should have gotten that Best Picture nomination but was overlooked.

READ MORE: ‘Indiana Jones’: Lucasfilm Is Developing A TV Series For Disney+

Speaking to Deadline, Steven Spielberg was asked about the relatively recent trend that we see where massive franchise tentpole films are getting Best Picture nominations. This year alone, as mentioned above, we see “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” getting nominated for the most prestigious award. Spielberg loves that these films are being recognized, and he wishes that sort of recognition would have come sooner.

“I’m really encouraged by that. It came late for the film that should have been nominated several years ago, Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knight,’” said Spielberg. “That movie would have definitely garnered a Best Picture nomination today, so having these two blockbusters solidly presented on the top 10 list is something we should all be celebrating.”

Obviously, the Academy isn’t just honoring these films because of their artistic merit. These nominations are also helped by the fact that ‘Maverick’ and ‘Avatar 2’ have both been a much-needed shot in the arm for theaters struggling during the pandemic. Both films have overperformed in ways that is showing that there is still life in cinemas, hopefully pointing to a positive future. 

It’s been a minute, so to speak, since Steven Spielberg has worked on a true blockbuster. In the ’80s and ’90s, Spielberg films were all big event films, whether it be something like “Jurassic Park,” a new ‘Indiana Jones’ film, or even something like “Saving Private Ryan.” However, in recent years, outside of things like 2018’s “Ready Player One,” Spielberg has stuck with his mid-budget dramas. As for the future? Spielberg isn’t quite sure what’s next.

“Everything is a process, and I don’t have a next film,” he said.

One blockbuster he is tied to is the upcoming “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” However, unlike other films in the franchise, Spielberg isn’t behind the camera and serves as a producer on the film, handing the reins over to James Mangold. “I advocated the fifth movie in favor of hiring James Mangold,” Spielberg said. “I’m going to let him make most of those decisions.”

As for the “Indiana Jones” spin-off TV series, all Spielberg would allow is that he’s only “peripherally involved.” However, the rumor persists; it’s a prequel about Indy’s mentor Abner Ravenwood, Marion Ravenwood’s (Karen Allen) father.

Spielberg’s most recent film, the semi-autobiographical “The Fabelmans,” has earned seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.