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Indeed, it was the film score of "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940), particularly its signature piece "The Arabian Nights", that caught Hollywood's attention, earning Miklós Rózsa his first Academy Award nomination. This orchestral showpiece, inspired by Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade," captured the exotic ambiance of the film's Middle Eastern setting and showcased Rózsa's ability to create vibrant, memorable melodies that elevated the storytelling.