Cecil B. DeMille (1881-1959) was an American film director and producer, a pioneering and one of the most influential figures in the history of Hollywood. His career, which began in the silent era, is inextricably linked to the founding of Paramount Pictures. He is renowned for his large-scale epic films, characterized by lavish sets, large casts, and historical or biblical themes, a genre of which he is considered the master. His most notable works include the two versions of "The Ten Commandments" (1923 and 1956), "The King of Kings" (1927), "Samson and Delilah" (1949), and "The Greatest Show on Earth" (1952). The latter film earned him the Academy Award for Best Picture. DeMille also received an Honorary Academy Award in 1950 for his 37 years of contributions to the film industry, as well as the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. His impact is such that the Golden Globe Awards established a lifetime achievement award named in his honor, the Cecil B. DeMille Award.