Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau was a German film director born on December 28, 1888. He is best known for his influential work in the silent film era, particularly for the 1922 horror film Nosferatu, which is considered a classic of the genre. Murnau's innovative techniques and visual storytelling helped shape the art of cinema. Murnau later moved to Hollywood, where he directed several successful films, including Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans in 1927, which won the first Academy Award for Best Unique and Artistic Picture. His career was cut short when he died in a car accident on March 11, 1931, but his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers today.