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Casablanca, the iconic 1942 romantic drama, earned Michael Curtiz the Academy Award for Best Director. The film, set during World War II, follows the story of Rick Blaine, a cynical nightclub owner in Casablanca, who must choose between his love for Ilsa Lund and his duty to help her and her husband escape from the Nazis. Casablanca's compelling characters, memorable dialogue, and evocative setting have made it a timeless classic.