Fred Zinnemann (April 29, 1907-March 14, 1997) was an Austrian-American film director. He won four Academy Awards and directed classic movies like From Here to Eternity, High Noon and A Man for All Seasons.

Initially grew up wanting to be a violinist, but while at the University of Vienna decided to study law. While doing so, he became increasingly interested in American film and decided that was what he wanted to do. He became involved in European filmaking for a short time before coming to America to study film.