June 2012 Auction Ends Thursday, June 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/28/2012
Oscar statue awarded to Michael Curtiz for Best Direction of the 1943 film "Casablanca," one of the most respected films made during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Like other films considered the greatest of all time, "Casablanca" has consistently grown in acclaim over the years, although it was recognized in its day with three Academy Awards in March 1944 including Best Picture and this Oscar for Best Director. It's now considered by the American Film Institute to be the second best film of all time, just behind "Citizen Kane." Produced by Warner Brothers, the film is set in Casablanca, Morocco in 1941. Humphrey Bogart stars as the owner of Rick's nightclub, with Ingrid Bergman as his ex-lover and Paul Henreid as her Czech Resistance leader husband. Its blend of wartime political intrigue, romance and humor culminates in one of the most moving and quoted final scenes in cinematic history: "Here's looking at you, kid." As Rick Blaine, Bogart's decision to honor duty above all else supports the belief of "Casablanca" as an allegory of the United States' entry into WWII. Many of Curtiz's films received Oscar nominations in various categories throughout his career, but "Casablanca" is his singular win. The plaque affixed to the front of the base is engraved: "Academy First Award / To / Michael Curtiz / For The Direction of / 'Casablanca'". The plaque upon the opposite side reads: "Academy Of / Motion Picture / Arts And Sciences / First Award / 1943". Gold-plated statue of "Oscar" standing on a film reel measures 10.25" in height atop a round black Belgian marble base to an overall height of 11.75". Base measures 5.5" in diameter. Statue weighs 6 lbs. 13 oz. Light speckling to finish, else near fine.
"Casablanca" Oscar for Best Direction -- One of the Finest Academy Awards of All Time
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