An "Exhibitor Laurel Award" plaque presented to John Wayne for the period of 1948-1953, measuring 7 x 9.25, with an engraved plate at the bottom, "John Wayne, 'Sands of Iwo Jima,' Best Action Role by an Actor, A 5-Year Laurel Award." Above is a plaque portraying an Oscar-like figure holding a film reel, with text reading: "Exhibitor Laurel Awards, 1948-53, Voted by the film buyers of the motion picture industry. This Official Certification carries with it the appreciation of the Theatre Industry for a job well done—Jay Emanuel, Publisher." To the upper left is a small inventory sticker, labeled "36." In fine condition. Provenance: The Personal Property of John Wayne, Heritage 2011. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from his son Ethan Wayne, president of John Wayne Enterprises, and an image identifying this piece on the wall in John Wayne's Newport Beach office. Wayne starred as Sgt. John M. Stryker in the classic dramatization of World War II's Battle of Iwo Jima, earning a nomination for the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role in addition to this Exhibitor Laurel Award. As a personal accolade given to Wayne for one of his classic films, this is an immensely desirable piece.
