Emil Jannings was a German actor who starred in many silent films during the 1920s. He is best known for his roles in The Last Laugh, Variety, and The Blue Angel. He won the first ever Academy Award for Best Actor in 1929 for his performance in The Last Command. Jannings was also nominated for an Academy Award for his role in The Way of All Flesh. His career declined after the advent of sound films, but he continued to act until his death in 1950.