Carmen Jones (1954) is a musical drama directed by Otto Preminger and starring Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, and Pearl Bailey. Set during World War II, the film follows Carmen Jones (Dandridge), a factory worker who seduces soldier Joe (Belafonte), leading him to abandon his fiancée, Cindy Lou (James). Their tumultuous relationship culminates in tragedy, mirroring the themes of Bizet's original opera. Dandridge's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, making her the first African American woman to be nominated for Best Actress.