I work in Hollywood and I have a cool story about that actually.

Prologue

The 90s was like a 2nd New Hollywood in that independent films were getting a lot more cred than the big studio efforts. One the the leaders of this surge was Harvey Weinstein. Harvey kinda changed the industry for the decade, in the movies he chose, how he marketed them and how he campaigned for awards.

He would do things like send copies of the movie with gift baskets and hold parties showcasing the film. All this stuff is standard now but back then it was seen a different and in some circles tacky.

The Story

Harvey lasers in on this approach and drowns the academy in "gifts" (cough bribes cough) while at the same time Saving Private Ryan is a sensation. Arguably the best work from one of the best filmmakers in the history of the medium.

Now you need to know something about Spielberg. He is a really, really nice guy. Like he never really talks shit, very helpful of talent, all around pleasant for someone of his stature. Now some people say this is cynical posturing but irrespective of its sincerity is acknowledged that Spielberg is a "nice guy."

Now the Oscars come. This is a big event for Spielburg, who has always been snubbed by the academy as a glorified popcorn director and not a "real auteur." Now he is set to receive its highest award, for a film he is deeply passionate about, to be presented by his best friends. It is the acme of his career. A cinematic moment he couldnt have crafted better if it were a film.

Then Shakespeare in Love wins.

So here we are, its a afterparty and a certain show runner (not me the guy who told me the story) is working in the trenches as a bartender full of Oscar winners. Everyone is getting drunk and having a great time, especially the Oscar winners.

Except for one. One man sits alone at a table with a golden statue. That man is Steven Spielberg, holding the Best Director award that he won. No one comes near that table. It is the only time anyone can actually see Spielberg and think "yeah, I'm just gonna leave him alone."

The man has the best director oscar and still felt like a failure. The guy tells the story to talk about how no one ever sees themselves as a success in the industry. There is always that next level. And when you make that top level you know it wont last forever.