Ernst Lubitsch was a German-born American film director, producer, writer, and actor. He is best known for his sophisticated comedies and satires, which earned him the reputation of being 'the master of the comedy of manners'. He directed such classic films as 'Trouble in Paradise' (1932), 'The Shop Around the Corner' (1940), and 'To Be or Not to Be' (1942). He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director for his work on 'Heaven Can Wait' (1943). Lubitsch was one of the most influential directors of the early 20th century and is considered one of the greatest directors of all time.