Max Steiner was an influential composer known for his work in the film industry during the early to mid-20th century. Born on May 10, 1888, in Vienna, Austria, he moved to the United States in 1914. Steiner is best known for scoring classic films such as Gone with the Wind and Casablanca, helping to establish the role of music in enhancing cinematic storytelling. Steiner's innovative use of orchestration and thematic development set a standard for film scoring. He received three Academy Awards for Best Original Score and was nominated for many others throughout his career. His contributions significantly shaped the sound of Hollywood films and influenced future composers.