F.W. Murnau was a German film director, born on December 28, 1888, in Bielefeld, Germany. He is best known for his influential silent films, particularly the 1922 horror classic Nosferatu, which is considered one of the first vampire movies. Murnau's innovative use of camera techniques and lighting helped shape the visual language of cinema. Murnau moved to Hollywood in the 1920s, where he directed several successful films, including Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927), which won the first Academy Award for Best Unique and Artistic Picture. His work is celebrated for its artistic depth and emotional storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry.