Photo: MGM / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Fred Zinnemann, born on April 29, 1907 in Vienna, Austria, was a film producer, film director and photographer. Fred Zinnemann died on March 14, 1997, aged 89. Schooling on record includes University of Vienna. Listed accolades include Directors Guild of America Award, Academy Award for Best Director (1954, 1967), Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) (1952) and 4 more. The listed height was 170 cm.
My Take
Fred Zinnemann is, to me, the patron saint of the unflashy craftsman. From Vienna to Hollywood, he made only 25 features in fifty years, yet titles like High Noon, From Here to Eternity, A Man for All Seasons, and The Day of the Jackal show a man drawn to conscience and moral resolve over spectacle. Two Best Director Oscars plus one for a documentary short reveal real range. What I admire is his refusal to chase trends; he built his stories patiently and stubbornly, and that quiet integrity is exactly why his best films still hold up.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Fred Zinnemann
- Name (Japanese)
- フレッド・ジンネマン
- Reading
- ふれっど・じんねまん
- Born
- April 29, 1907 – March 14, 1997
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Taurus / Goat
- Origin
- Vienna, Austria
- Height
- 170 cm
- Occupation
- film producer / film director / photographer / director / producer
2. Background
- University
- University of Vienna
Awards & achievements
- Directors Guild of America Award
- 1954 Academy Award for Best Director
- 1967 Academy Award for Best Director
- 1952 Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject)
- National Board of Review Award for Best Film
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- 1986 Berlinale Camera
- 1978 BAFTA Fellowship
3. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Julia | — | |
| Notable work | The Day of the Jackal | — | |
| Notable work | A Man for All Seasons | — | |
| Notable work | The Nun's Story | — | |
| Notable work | A Hatful of Rain | — | |
| Notable work | From Here to Eternity | — |
4. Links
5. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Fred Zinnemann born?
Born April 29, 1907.
When did Fred Zinnemann die?
Died March 14, 1997, aged 89.
Where was Fred Zinnemann from?
Fred Zinnemann was from Vienna, Austria.
What did Fred Zinnemann do?
Fred Zinnemann worked as film producer, film director, photographer, director, producer.
How tall was Fred Zinnemann?
Fred Zinnemann was 170 cm.
What was Fred Zinnemann known for?
Notable works include Julia, The Day of the Jackal, A Man for All Seasons.
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