Spielberg's next film, Schindler's List, was based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a man who risked his life to save 1,100 Jews from the Holocaust. Schindler's List earned Spielberg his first Academy Award for Best Director (it also won Best Picture).
For other uses, see Beluga (disambiguation). The beluga whale or white whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is an Arctic and sub-Arctic cetacean. It is one of two members of the family Monodontidae, along with the narwhal, and the only member of the genus Delphinapterus.
You are here. Beluga whale. The beluga or white whale has been well-studied. It has also been heavily exploited over past decades, hunted for food and captured for display. The bright white skin makes it easy to see in contrast to the dark ocean, but it also allows it to blend in with floating ice or whitecaps.