Steven Spielberg wins Israel's Genesis Prize for films, philanthropy

Steven Spielberg has been awarded Israel’s prestigious 2021 Genesis Prize in recognition of his contribution to cinema, his philanthropic works and his efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, organizers announce.

The $1 million award is granted each year to a person for their professional achievements, contributions to humanity and commitment to Jewish values. Previous recipients have donated the prize to philanthropic causes, though Spielberg, who was only notified of the honor late Wednesday, does not immediately comment on his plans.

“The Genesis Prize celebrates Steven Spielberg’s unique talent, his commitment to making the world a better place, and his unparalleled contribution to teaching the post-war generations about the horrors of the Holocaust,” says Stan Polovets, co-founder and chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation.

Spielberg is one of the most successful and influential filmmakers of all time, with a string of blockbusters to his name. They include “Jaws,” “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Jurassic Park.” He has won three Academy Awards for his work on “Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private Ryan” and numerous other industry recognitions.