Which Spielberg film tied the record for most Oscar nominations without a win, with 11?

The Color Purple tied the record for the most Oscar nominations without a win, receiving 11 nominations and winning none.

Spielberg directed this 1985 adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Set largely in rural Georgia during the early 20th century, the film follows Celie, played by Whoopi Goldberg, as she endures abuse and gradually builds independence through relationships with other women, especially Shug Avery and Sofia.

Its 11 nominations included Best Picture, Best Actress for Goldberg, and Best Supporting Actress nominations for Margaret Avery and Oprah Winfrey. The film lost in every category at the 58th Academy Awards, tying The Turning Point, which had also received 11 nominations without a victory.

War Horse, Empire of the Sun, and Amistad were also Spielberg films, but they did not match this specific Oscar record. The Color Purple was notable musically as well: Quincy Jones wrote the score, making it Spielberg’s first feature without a score by his longtime collaborator John Williams.