No director in the history of films has been influential than Steven Spielberg.  He is widely considered one of the most influential and successful filmmakers of all time, with a career spanning over four decades. He is best known for his epic blockbusters, such as Jaws (1975), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), and the "Indiana Jones" franchise. In addition to his blockbuster hits, Spielberg is also known for his emotionally charged dramas, such as Schindler's List (1993), which won him his first Academy Award for Best Director, and Saving Private Ryan (1998), which was widely acclaimed for its realistic depiction of World War II. He has been nominated for five Academy Awards for Best Director and has won three times. He has established himself as a visionary filmmaker, whose impact on the film industry has been immeasurable.