The Superstitions Behind Steven Spielberg's Oscars Rehearsal Ritual
Explore Steven Spielberg's intriguing superstitions surrounding the Oscars and his unique approach to avoiding reading winners' names at rehearsal.
Steven Spielberg admitted to being a bit superstitious about the Oscars. At the rehearsal for the 96th Academy Awards on March 9 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the 77-year-old director refused to say the pretend winner's name that was inside his envelope. Despite being told it was okay by a production member, Spielberg didn't want to risk bringing bad luck to any of the nominees during the run-through of the presentation.
He said that he doesn't do it because he believes it brings bad luck, as mentioned on Entertainment Tonight. Spielberg, a three-time Academy Award winner, received a Best Picture nomination at the 2024 Oscars for Maestro. The nomination is shared with Bradley Cooper, Fred Berner, Amy Durning, and Kristie Macosko Krieger.
The film received seven award nominations on Sunday, including nods for Best Actor (Cooper) and Best Actress (Carey Mulligan). Cooper, 49, expressed his gratitude for the recognition after the nominations were announced in January.
In a statement, Cooper said, “We are all so grateful to be recognized among all these amazing works of art this year. I admire the performances of every actor involved. Thank you to Jamie, Alex & Nina Bernstein for sharing their parents’ story with the world, and thank you to the Academy. We feel very honored to be included.”
Why Steven Spielberg Refuses to Read Oscars Winners Names at Rehearsal
Steven Spielberg Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Maestro tells the story of Leonard Bernstein, a renowned American composer, and his wife, Felicia Montealegre (Mulligan). Bernstein served as the musical director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra from 1958 to 1969. He passed away from a heart attack in October 1990, the same month he retired from conducting.
The film has been in the works for five years, initially with Spielberg set to direct. However, after witnessing Cooper's directing skills in A Star Is Born, Spielberg felt that the actor was a better match for the role. Ultimately, Spielberg joined Cooper, Martin Scorsese, and others in co-producing the movie.
During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in January 2022, Cooper shared a memorable story about the moment Spielberg told him he would be leading a project. Cooper recalled how Spielberg surprised him during a screening of A Star Is Born by getting up from his seat and walking over to deliver the news in a loud and enthusiastic manner. Spielberg's words to Cooper were, "You're f—ing directing Maestro!"
The Oscars airs on ABC Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. ET.
Editor's P/S:
Steven Spielberg's superstition regarding the Oscars is both intriguing and understandable. While it may seem like a harmless tradition, it highlights the pressure and anticipation surrounding the prestigious award ceremony. His refusal to reveal the pretend winner's name during the rehearsal reveals his deep respect for the nominees and his belief in the power of positive thinking.
Spielberg's nomination for Maestro is a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to tell compelling stories. The film's recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, including Bradley Cooper, who not only directed but also starred in the film. The Oscars serve as a platform to celebrate the best in cinema, and Spielberg's nomination is a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling. achieve success. While some may see these superstitions as harmless quirks, others may believe that they have a real impact on the outcome of events. Ultimately, whether or not Spielberg's superstition has any basis in reality is up to the individual to decide.
