Emil Jannings (1884-1950) was a German actor, a prominent figure in German and international silent cinema. Renowned for his intense, powerful, and often tragic acting, he specialized in roles of tormented, authoritarian men, or figures in moral and social decline.

Among his most memorable performances were those in silent masterpieces such as F.W. Murnau's *Der letzte Mann* (The Last Laugh, 1924), *Varieté* (1925), and *Faust* (1926). He was the first actor to win an Academy Award (1929) for the American films *The Last Command* and *The Way of All Flesh*.

He returned to Germany for his iconic role as Professor Rath in *Der blaue Engel* (The Blue Angel, 1930) alongside Marlene Dietrich, which also solidified his status in sound film. Although the transition to sound sometimes made him more prone to theatrical excess, his dramatic imprint remained unmistakable.