History

Who was Max Fried?

In 1939, 29 bookers from film companies and theater chains formed the Motion Picture Bookers Club. Max Fried was president from 1956-57 and again in 1965 and chaired 22 of the group’s theater parties, with proceeds going to charity. When industry interest in the dinners began to lag, Fried was among those who came up with the idea of presenting a young actor with a Star of Tomorrow award. After “The Graduate’s” Dustin Hoffman was named the first recipient, the annual dinners became a must on the show-business calendar. In later years, the popular Fried was in charge of selling raffle tickets.

Fried began at Warner Bros. and its Vitagraph Pictures in October 1927 at the age of 17 — a few days after the release of “The Jazz Singer” — and a year later was promoted to booker. After 14 years with the studio, he worked at Century Theatres and buying and booking chain Liggett-Florin. In 1975, he became sole owner of Maxi Cinema Enterprises, which booked films for independent theaters. After serving the MPC Organization for over 70 years, Max Fried died Nov. 8th, 2009 in Malboro, N.J. at the age of 99, leaving a rich legacy and lasting philanthropic footprint on film exhibition and distribution communities for future generations.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/booker-max-fried-dies-91739/amp/

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/app/name/max-fried-obituary?id=25490082

Past Honorees

Max Fried

2022 - Pat Gonzalez (Paramount Pictures)

2020/2021 - no recipients

2019 - Kip Smiley Jr. (Comprehensive Film Booking)

2018 - Chris Aronson (20th Century Fox)

2017 - Bob Lenihan (AMC Theatres)

2016 - Steve and Lisa Bunnell (Regal and Landmark Theatres)

2015 - Rolando Rodriguez (Marcus Theatres)

2014 - Frank Carroll (Warner Brothers)