Michael Curtiz

Birth Name:

Manó Kertész Kaminer

Birth Place:

Budapest, Hungary

Profession

Director, Producer, Actor, Writer, Assistant director

Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960
Won the Bronze Wrangler award at the Western Heritage Awards in 1962 for his work on "The Comancheros․"
After studying at the Royal Academy of Theater and Art, he began acting and directing at the National Hungarian Theater in 1912
Quote: "(On actor Cary Grant) "Some men squeeze a line to death․ Cary tickles it into life․""
Dedicated to his craft, he was widely known to work extremely long days
Frequently collaborated with Errol Flynn and Humphrey Bogart on films
Due to his heavy accent, an assistant once brought him a small dog when he asked for a "poodle," but he quickly explained that he meant a "poodle" of water
Was a member of the Hungarian military during World War I
Was slated to direct "G․I․ Blues," but dropped out of the project
Would tell stories that he was a member of the fencing team representing Hungary at the Olympic Games in 1912

1935Mussolini Cup - Best Foreign Film:Nominated
1936Oscar - Best Director:Nominated
1937Mussolini Cup - Best Foreign Film:Nominated
1938NYFCC Award - Best Director:Nominated
1939Oscar - Best Director:Nominated
1939Oscar - Best Director:Nominated
1942NYFCC Award - Best Director:Nominated
1943Oscar - Best Director:Nominated
1943NBR Award - Best Director:Winner
1944Oscar - Best Director:Winner
1953DGA Award - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures:Nominated
1962Bronze Wrangler - Theatrical Motion Picture:Winner

Fast Facts