Janet Gaynor was the first female to win an Academy Award, receiving the inaugural Best Actress Oscar at the first Academy Awards ceremony held on May 16, 1929. She was honored for her performances in three films: "Seventh Heaven," "Street Angel," and "The Johnstown Flood." Gaynor's win not only marked a significant milestone in Hollywood history but also paved the way for future generations of actresses. Her legacy endures as an important figure in the early days of the film industry, representing the growing recognition of women's contributions to cinema.