Forty-two years ago a little-known, 30-something actor named Steven Spielberg played a Cook County Assessor clerk in “The Blues Brothers.” He had a few lines, such as “Can I help you?” and “Here is your receipt.” His on-screen career came and went so fast you never noticed. But that filmmaking career — well, it’s hard to overstate its importance and reach. At the 94th annual Academy Awards on Sunday, Spielberg, now 75, will be a contender for best director for the eighth time. It ties him with Billy Wilder for number of nominations in the category, placing him ahead of Alfred Hitchcock and Joh…
