Member News Archives | Cinema United

February 18, 2026

Ellis Jacob to Receive Legend of Cinema Award at CinemaCon 2026

Pioneering CEO of Canada’s Largest Cinema Chain to be Recognized for Decades Long Leadership and Vision at the Forefront of the Global Exhibition Industry

Canadian Cinema Icon Becomes Second Recipient of Cinema United’s Most Prestigious Award Following Legendary Filmmaker Martin Scorsese

LOS ANGELES, CA – (Feb. 18, 2026) – Ellis Jacob, President and CEO of Canada’s leading entertainment and media company Cineplex, will receive the Legend of Cinema Award during opening night at this year’s CinemaCon. Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United, announced today that Jacob will receive the organization’s most prestigious award, joining acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese as the only two individuals to receive this recognition.

“Ellis has been a leader at the forefront of global exhibition for decades,” said O’Leary. “He has created an entertainment empire that cannot be matched and has been a tireless advocate on behalf of theatre owners around the world. He is a beloved figure who fully embodies the passion of our industry, and we are honored to be able to show our heartfelt appreciation in this way.”

Jacob served as Chair of Cinema United’s Executive Board from 2018-2020. In 2022, he received the CinemaCon Marque Award, which recognizes an exceptional executive within the industry whose strategic vision, leadership and business acumen elevates theatrical exhibition.

“No one has played a more central role in guiding our industry through the turbulence and uncertainty of the past years than Ellis,” added O’Leary. “His role in positioning exhibition for future success simply cannot be overstated. He has been a strong supporter of Cinema United and a valued mentor to me in my capacity as CEO. On behalf of the entire exhibition industry, we want to thank Ellis for everything he has done.”

Jacob, who will retire this year, became President and CEO of Cineplex in October 2003. He began working in the motion picture exhibition industry in 1987; since then, his passion and leadership has helped transform the moviegoing experience across Canada and beyond. With over 100 years of history in Canada, Cineplex is the fourth largest circuit in North America. Jacob’s visionary leadership has helped transform the company from a theatre chain into an exhibition, amusement and media giant that provides exceptional entertainment experiences for people of all ages. Prior to his current role, Jacob was President and CEO of Galaxy Entertainment Inc., which he co-founded in 1999.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Legend of Cinema Award. I have spent my entire career believing in the power of moviegoing to bring people together. The theatrical experience has always held a unique place in our culture and I am truly humbled to be recognized with this award. I have been fortunate to work with inspiring partners across the exhibition community who share a commitment to ensuring that cinemas continue to thrive,” said Ellis Jacob, President and CEO, Cineplex.

The Legend of Cinema Award recognizes those individuals who have dedicated their careers to preserving and elevating the unparalleled magic of the shared theatrical experience. Their dedication to moviegoing underscores the crucial role cinemas play as cultural landmarks and economic drivers in communities around the world.

CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United and the world’s largest gathering of theatrical exhibitors, will run from April 13-16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 31,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries worldwide. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

ABOUT CINEMACON

CinemaCon attracts upwards of 6,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of movies – is the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon. For more information, visit cinemacon.com. Follow CinemaCon on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

February 13, 2026

Cinema United Attends Ohio Goes to the Movies Kickoff

By Todd Halstead
Director of Government Relations and Independent Theatre Owner Engagement

There’s a particular kind of hush that settles over an auditorium right before a film begins. People shift in their seats. Conversations taper off. The lights go down. And in that moment, a crowd becomes a community ready to be carried somewhere else together.

That feeling was at the center of the Ohio Goes to the Movies kickoff at Township Hall in the small village of Milan—birthplace of Thomas Edison, the “Father of Film.” It was a fitting place to launch OGTTM—a first-of-its-kind, statewide celebration of film as part of America 250–Ohio, running for about 250 days from mid-February through October 2026. It will bring hundreds of free screenings of films with an Ohio connection and events to all 88 counties, hosted by local cinemas, libraries, and cultural spaces. It’s also a reminder of Ohio’s place in movie history: Edison’s Kinetoscope helped launch the motion picture era and set the stage for the shared, big-screen cinema experience. Ever since, Buckeyes have been leaders in making movie magic in front of and behind the camera. OGTTM celebrates that legacy by turning film history into community nights out across the state.

A big idea for the big screen

While this was the official start, OGTTM has been years in the making. The seed was planted in 2003, when Stephen George of the Ohio History Connection traveled across the state during the Ohio Bicentennial and kept hearing the same kind of pride: a hometown actor, a film connection, a story people wanted to claim. The vision just needed the right moment to become real. That moment arrived as planning ramped up for America 250 celebrations in Ohio. A concept that once felt too big became exactly the kind of community-driven initiative a statewide celebration is meant to support.

Program Director Molly Kreuzman, the driving, energetic force behind OGTTM, put it best: what people are seeing now is “the result of vision, planning, partnership, and an extraordinary amount of work behind the scenes.”

Why theaters are central to the whole idea

Timed to fall on Thomas Edison’s birthday, the OGTTM kickoff leaned into the state’s film history in a fun way, featuring an actor portraying Edison and a screening of his 1910 Frankenstein. It was proof that even in cinema’s earliest days, spectacle and imagination were already the engine turning a few minutes of film into a shared jolt of wonder.

From the stage, Governor Mike DeWine spoke about why moviegoing matters: you walk into a dark theater, and you’re transported by the music, the visuals, the story. A true moviegoer, he said, “there’s nothing that could be more emotional, nothing more impactful.” First Lady Fran DeWine unscored the governor’s remarks with a story about their first date at a small art theater in Yellow Springs and drew a big laugh when she added that the movie playing that day was Whatever Happened to Baby Jane—not exactly a “romantic movie,” as she put it. Governor DeWine summed it up by saying it didn’t matter what the movie was. What mattered was the experience and who you shared it with.

A standout moment was welcoming proud Buckeye Beverly D’Angelo for a Q&A with Peter Lawson Jones, actor and former Ohio State Representative. She reflected on her path in Hollywood and spoke warmly about Ohio’s place in film and culture. It was a reminder that Ohio’s film story includes not just locations and history, but the talent and voices audiences recognize and connect with.

What I saw across Ohio on this trip

At the kickoff, I met with Sean Denny, Director of Operations for Cleveland Cinemas, which operates the Capitol Theatre, a movie palace that opened in 1921—one of those places that reminds you theaters are cultural landmarks, not just venues. I also connected with Tracey Peyton and Linda Diamond with the Strand Theatre and Cultural Arts Association in Delaware, Ohio. And I spent time with Cinemark’s Ohio team operating theaters across the state. It was great connecting with these Cinema United members united by the same mission: bringing communities together through movies.

What Ohio Goes to the Movies will do in 2026

The OGTTM events aren’t just film screenings. Many of the events are designed like “mini premieres with red carpet moments, themed concessions, film facts, introductions, and post-film discussions that turn watching a movie into a community night out. Yesterday was the kickoff. Now comes the payoff: turning planning into audiences, and a statewide celebration into real nights out in communities across Ohio. Molly closed the event with a line that summed up the mission of OGTTM: “And as I like to say, we’re looking back, but we’re thinking forward. We are participating in what comes next. This is Ohio’s moment. This is where movies began. This is where movies will continue. And this is where movie making will continue well into the future with all of the passion that we have in Ohio. And as my good friend, Mr. Governor DeWine likes to say, “Come on, Ohio. Let’s go to the movies!”

February 12, 2026

Angel, Row K Entertainment and STUDIOCANAL To Take The Main Stage For Inaugural “CinemaCon® Film Showcase”

BRAND NEW PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSE STORIES FROM KEY PARTNERS OF THE GLOBAL EXHIBITION COMMUNITY

“CINEMACON^® FILM SHOWCASE” WILL BE HELD AT THE COLOSSEUM IN CAESARS PALACE MONDAY AFTERNOON ON APRIL 13

LAS VEGAS – Feb. 12, 2026 – CinemaCon^®, the world’s largest convention for the global cinema industry and the official convention of Cinema United, announced today that it will host a Monday afternoon program for the first time in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, titled the “CinemaCon^® Film Showcase.” The presentation on April 13 will feature Angel, Row K Entertainment and STUDIOCANAL, all three of which will showcase exciting new films from their upcoming theatrical slates to the global exhibition community.

“As a global industry that depends on a diverse pipeline of movies from a wide array of distribution partners, we are incredibly excited to welcome Angel, Row K Entertainment and STUDIOCANAL to be part of this important new program on Monday afternoon,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “Movie theatres around the world in cities and towns of all sizes rely upon these movies 52 weeks out of the year. They are essential to our industry, and by shining a light on these companies, we celebrate their importance in bringing great movies to fans of all ages across the globe.”

CEO of STUDIOCANAL, Chief Content Officer of CANAL+ Anna Marsh commented: “We are thrilled to be part of CinemaCon 2026 and to take part in this inaugural film showcase. Presenting our slate at The Colosseum and connecting with the exhibition community is a very special moment for STUDIOCANAL and the Canal+ group. We remain firmly committed to films made for the big screen, and we thank Michael O’Leary and his team for providing such an important platform to highlight the creativity, ambition and investment behind bringing great stories to cinemas across the globe.”

“Theaters thrive when audiences have options,” said Executive Vice President and Head of Theatrical at Angel, Brandon Purdie. “Angel is committed to bringing audiences a bold, varied slate of films. We’re proud to stand with Cinema United, CinemaCon, and our partners in exhibition as we redefine the future of theatrical moviegoing together.”

“CinemaCon is a powerful reminder that the theatrical experience remains the heartbeat of our industry, bringing audiences together in a way no other medium can,” said Row K Co-Chairmen Christopher Woodrow and Raj Singh. “Row K was built around the belief that great films deserve to be experienced on the big screen, and we’re proud to join Angel and STUDIOCANAL to showcase a slate designed to deliver bold storytelling, unforgettable performances, and the kind of communal moviegoing moments that only theaters can provide.”

Hosted by Cinema United, CinemaCon is the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition, taking place April 13-16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

About Angel

Angel (NYSE: ANGX) is a media and technology company guided by two million grassroots Angel Guild paying members championing values-driven stories. The company is one of the most disruptive forces in entertainment, bringing audience-powered films to theaters worldwide. With theatrical hits such as Solo Mio, DAVID, Sound of Freedom, Homestead, and The King of Kings, Angel has proven that stories chosen by the audience, for the audience, resonate on a massive scale. Angel is committed to working hand-in-hand with exhibitors, recognizing their vital role in delivering powerful, uplifting stories to audiences everywhere. The company invites theater owners to be part of shaping the future of cinema. For more information, visit www.angel.com.

About Row K Entertainment

Row K Entertainment (“Row K”) is a U.S. theatrical distribution company built to meet the growing demands of the modern film marketplace. The company focuses on wide-release, star-driven, and prestige-filmmaker-led films with global appeal. Named for the seat often considered the best view in the theater, Row K is dedicated to elevating the cinematic experience for audiences worldwide. CAA Media Finance, which helped ideate Row K, serves as an advisory partner to the company. Row K is a subsidiary of Media Capital Technologies, a leading entertainment investment company.

Launched in 2025, Row K has quickly established itself as a force in distribution with a breakout debut year marked by several high-profile festival acquisitions. The company’s 2026 slate includes Dead Man’s Wire, directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino, which opened in January; Poetic License, the directorial debut of Maude Apatow and starring Leslie Mann, Cooper Hoffman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Nico Parker, and Cliff “Method Man” Smith; Cliffhanger, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and starring Pierce Brosnan and Lily James; and Charlie Harper, directed by Tom Dean and Mac Eldridge and starring Nick Robinson and Emilia Jones.

About STUDIOCANAL

STUDIOCANAL, CANAL+’s in-house studio, is Europe’s leading film and television studio, with worldwide production and distribution capabilities. It operates directly in nine major European markets including Austria, Benelux, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, as well as in Australia and New Zealand, and offices in the United States and China. STUDIOCANAL finances, produces, and distributes 200 films per year. It owns one of the most prestigious catalogues in the world and the largest catalogue of European titles, boasting more than 9 400 titles from 60 countries. With a catalogue spanning 100 years of film history, STUDIOCANAL has invested close to 25 million euros into the 4K restoration of nearly 1 000 classic feature films over the past 7 years.

STUDIOCANAL also produces over 15 series each year, including local creations and premium international co-productions, and distributes its scripted productions and CANAL+ Originals globally (2,000 hours of current and library content in distribution). Projects are produced in-house by STUDIOCANAL or through its worldwide network of production companies, including 2e Bureau, Flab, Kissman, and Grands Ducs Films in France; Birdie Pictures, Urban Myth Films, Strong Film & Television, Sunny March TV and Brock Media in the UK; Bambú Producciones and Te Espero en Marte in Spain; Lailaps Films and STUDIOCANAL Series in Germany; Opus TV in Poland; Sam Productions in Denmark; Dingie in Belgium; and The Picture Company in the United States.

About Cinema United

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon attracts upwards of six thousand motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. CinemaCon works with the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its trade show partners. The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of movies – is the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon. For more information, visit cinemacon.com. Follow CinemaCon on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

February 4, 2026

Cinema United’s Variety Op-ed: What Netflix Didn’t Say

The following Op-ed was posted by Variety on February 4:

What Netflix Didn’t Say: Why Promising a 45-Day Theatrical Window Still Doesn’t Answer Some Big Questions
By Michael O’Leary, President and CEO, Cinema United

Amid the increasingly caustic back and forth between Netflix and Paramount over who should own the iconic Warner Bros. Studios, principals from Netflix and Warner Bros. were summoned yesterday to the Senate Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee to make the case as to why this transaction should go through.

Congress has no direct authority to approve these types of deals, but they can make their feelings known, and that does matter. Of particular interest to the people who own and operate theatres of all sizes across the United States and around the world was the Netflix statement that “… we will put Warner Bros. movies in theatres with 45-day windows.” This is a marked evolution for the global streamer that not so many months ago had decried movie theatres as “outdated.” One suspects that this is, in part, to ease approval of the pending deal, but also a recognition of the fact that movies which start in theatrical do better on subsequent platforms, including Netflix. But more important than what Netflix said in Washington, DC, is what they have not said.

Netflix has given no indication how many “Warner Bros.” movies they intend to make each year, or how many are for wide release in 2,000 locations or more. Nor have they signaled how many “straight-to-streaming” movies that Warner Bros. will produce annually and how that will impact resources and expertise now dedicated to theatrical movies.

Netflix made no mention of the need to promote the Warner Bros. movies that it will make. Having committed to releasing movies theatrically, will Netflix support those movies financially with strong “Only in Theatres” marketing campaigns?

And what does a 45-day window truly mean? This is a critical question and one that goes to the core of full commitment to theatrical. Netflix could simply take movies directly from the theatre to its own platform, skipping completely the Premium Video On-Demand (PVOD) window, when consumers can rent or purchase a film to view in their home. Exhibition is already feeling the impact of shrinking theatrical windows that rush movies into PVOD in a matter of weeks. The industry, including some studios, is starting to realize the harm caused by shorter windows. But 45 days to Subscription Video On-Demand (SVOD) is vastly different, and significantly more harmful, than 45 days to PVOD. The average SVOD window for wide theatrical releases today is 102 days. Should this transaction result in movies going directly from the theatre to Netflix, the 45-day window that is now being heralded would devastate the industry.

To be clear, we would ask similar questions of Paramount. Our preference would be for the talented movie-making team at Warner Bros. to operate as a free-standing studio. That would be best for theatres, people who love seeing movies on the big screen, and the entire movie industry. If, however, this iconic studio is once again sold, it is imperative to get answers to these questions. Sometimes what you don’t hear is as important as what you do.

—

Michael O’Leary is the President and CEO of Cinema United, the largest film exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 31,000 movie screens across all 50 states, and over 30,000 additional screens in 80 countries worldwide.

February 4, 2026

Register for CinemaCon 2026 Today!

We look forward to welcoming the industry to Caesars Palace and CinemaCon 2026 from April, 13 – 16. If you haven’t registered yet, you can do that here. Here’s what you need to know to help plan your trip:

Schedule of Events

Check the online schedule regularly as we have exciting new initiatives you won’t want to miss, including programming beginning Sunday afternoon, April 12.

Hotel Rooms/Registration

Don’t delay! If you haven’t already, click here to book your hotel room(s) and register for the convention today.

Studio Presentations

We’re thrilled to confirm: Amazon MGM Studios, NEON, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Pictures/Focus Features, Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures. Plus, presentations on the main stage of the Colosseum from Angel, Row K Entertainment and STUDIOCANAL.

Our current studio schedule is as follows:

Monday, 13 April

1:30pm: Studio Presentations (Angel, Row K Entertainment, STUDIOCANAL)

6:30pm: Opening Night Studio Presentation (Sony Pictures Entertainment)

Tuesday, 14 April

9:00am: Cinema United State of Industry Program andStudio Presentation (NEON)

4:30pm: Studio Presentation (Warner Bros.)

Wednesday, 15 April

7:45am: Breakfast Program (to be announced)

9:30am: Major Studio Screening (this is confirmed and details will be announced shortly)

3:45pm: Studio Presentation (Universal Pictures/Focus Features)

8:30pm: Studio Presentation (Amazon MGM Studios)

Thursday, 16 April

9:45am: Studio Presentation (Paramount Pictures)

2:30pm: Studio Presentation (Walt Disney Studios)

7:30pm: Big Screen Achievement Awards

February 3, 2026

Cinema United Issues Statement for the Record for Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy & Consumer Rights

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Feb. 3, 2026) – Today, Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association representing more than 31,000 movie screens across all 50 states and over 30,000 additional screens in 80 countries worldwide, submitted written testimony to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy & Consumer Rights on the potential harm caused by the proposed acquisition of the iconic Warner Bros. studio.

In the statement, Cinema United advocated: “We are deeply concerned that this acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix will have a direct and irreversible negative impact on movie theatres around the world. Such an acquisition will further consolidate control over production and distribution of motion pictures in the hands of a single, dominant, global streaming platform in a market that is already highly concentrated. The impact will not only be felt by theatre owners, but by movie fans and surrounding businesses in communities of all sizes.”

Cinema United extended its concerns of the proposed Warner Bros. merger beyond Netflix, adding: “If Paramount or another major studio ends up displacing Netflix as the buyer, our concerns are no less serious. A combination of Paramount and Warner Bros., for instance, would consolidate as much as 40% of each year’s domestic box office in the hands of a single dominant studio.”

The statement outlined four primary harms to the industry caused by consolidation, namely, Fewer Movies Produced for Theatrical Exhibition, Increased Marketplace Leverage for Studios vis-à-vis Theatre Owners, Reduced Diversity of Films for Movie Fans, and Job Losses Across the Entertainment Industry and in Communities Worldwide.

“The key to a successful industry overall is having a diverse, robust, and consistent product pipeline that responds to consumer demand. The number of films being produced for theatrical exhibition is slowly returning to pre-2019 levels. However, that growth is threatened by further consolidation. At best, an acquisition of Warner Bros. will stall the growth we have seen in the last four years. More realistically, however, it will result in a significant reduction of theatrical releases.”

The statement concluded: “We must heed the lessons of the past: further industry consolidation has consistently led to fewer movies being made, and there is no reason whatsoever to believe the outcome here would be any different, particularly given Netflix’s stated views of movie theatres over the past decade-plus.”

For a PDF copy of the full statement, click here.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing 31,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.

January 29, 2026

Cinema United Applauds National Film Registry Selections

Cinema United is applauding the induction of 25 new films into the National Film Registry, overseen by the Library of Congress.

Created by Congress, the National Film Registry highlights America’s movie history and the need to preserve our cinematic heritage for future generations. Each year, films are selected based on their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance, and must be at least ten years old.

Cinema United is represented on the Library’s National Film Preservation Board by Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary and Cinema United New York President Joe Masher.

“Movies have always shaped our culture, with tens of millions of Americans going to the cinema on a regular basis,” says Cinema United CEO & President and National Film Preservation Board Member Michael O’Leary. “It’s a true honor to support the Library of Congress and the Librarian in their important work preserving influential cinematic experiences. The wide-ranging selections, representing stories with universal themes that connect people everywhere, will inspire classic programming at theatres large and small across the country.”

“Moviegoing is part of the American social fabric,” says Cinema United New York President and National Film Preservation Board Member Joe Masher. “Cinemas dotting cities and towns across Main Street America are important places where many of us had our first jobs, our first dates, our first family outings, our first community experiences. With classic films bigger than ever in cinemas, we are grateful to the passionate work of the Library of Congress and the Librarian for their exciting additions to the National Film Registry, introducing new audiences to great movies on the big screen the way they were meant to be seen.”

The selections for 2025 bring the number of titles in the registry to 925. Some of the film titles are among the 2 million moving image collection items held in the Library of Congress. Others are preserved in coordination with copyright holders or other film archives.

Films Selected for the 2025 National Film Registry:

(chronological order)

The Tramp and the Dog (1896)
The Oath of the Sword (1914)
The Maid of McMillan (1916)
The Lady (1925)
Sparrows (1926)
Ten Nights in a Barroom (1926)
White Christmas (1954)
High Society (1956)
Brooklyn Bridge (1981)
Say Amen, Somebody (1982)
The Thing (1982)
The Big Chill (1983)
The Karate Kid (1984)
Glory (1989)
Philadelphia (1993)
Before Sunrise (1995)
Clueless (1995)
The Truman Show (1998)
Frida (2002)
The Hours (2002)
The Incredibles (2004)
The Wrecking Crew (2008)
Inception (2010)
The Loving Story (2011)
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

January 13, 2026

Cinema United Mourns Loss of Colleen Barstow

COLLEEN BARSTOW, INDEPENDENT CINEMA LEADER, DIES AT 64

Colleen Barstow, a longtime leader of independent cinema, died on January 10. She was 64.

Colleen Barstow was not only a driving force behind the Omaha-based family-run theater chain ACX Cinemas, but also a nationally respected leader in the independent cinema industry. At the time of her passing, she served as Treasurer of the Executive Board of Directors and Chair of the Independent Theatre Owners Committee for Cinema United. On Cinema United’s Executive Board, she represented independent exhibitors across the country with clarity, conviction, and compassion. She was on the Cinema United Board from 2022-2026 and was also instrumental in the North Central Cinema United conferences.

Colleen co-founded Main Street Theatres alongside her husband, Bill Barstow, in 1988 after answering a newspaper ad for a small, single-screen theater in Nebraska. What began as a leap of faith—financed through borrowed credit cards and fueled by determination—grew into ACX Cinemas, a seven-location cinema chain known for innovation, hospitality, and community engagement.

“Colleen was a tireless advocate for independent theatre owners,” remembers Cinema United CEO Michael O’Leary. “I had the privilege of working with her closely and she always brought energy, ideas, and commitment to everything she did on behalf of our industry. Of course, her greatest joy in life was her family – her husband Bill, her children, and beautiful grandchildren – to whom we extend our deepest condolences and support.”

From the earliest days, Colleen was the heart of the business. Born in Detroit, she was one of nine children. She left her job in banking to help build the company from the ground up—delivering film prints between theaters, managing operations, and raising a family alongside the work. Her children grew up in theaters, learning first-hand the values that would later shape ACX’s culture and leadership.

Colleen believed that the power of cinema extended far beyond the screen.

“To me, the movie is always secondary,” she said. “We like bringing people together. We like telling a story—and that story isn’t always the one on the screen.”

That belief guided her work both locally and nationally. She was a tireless advocate for independent theaters, encouraging collaboration over competition and urging exhibitors to engage deeply with their communities. She championed theaters as gathering places—homes for festivals, fundraisers, nonprofit events, and shared experiences.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Colleen played a critical role in industry advocacy, working alongside fellow exhibitors and Cinema United leadership to help secure federal relief funding for shuttered venues and independent theaters. Her steady leadership helped guide the industry through unprecedented disruption.

She is survived by her husband Bill Barstow; their three children, Michael Barstow, Andrea Barstow-Olson and Amy Evans; and four grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Friday at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska.

January 7, 2026

Cinema United Issues Statement for the Record for House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Jan. 7, 2026) – Today, Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association representing more than 31,000 movie screens across all 50 states and over 30,000 additional screens in 80 countries worldwide, submitted written testimony to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust hearing on the myriad harms caused by the proposed acquisition of the iconic Warner Bros. studio.

For a PDF copy of the full statement, click here.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

January 5, 2026

National Popcorn Day Is Back — Bigger and Better, Offering One Day Only Popcorn Deals at Movie Theatres Nationwide on January 19

WASHINGTON, D.C. & LOS ANGELES, CA – January 5, 2026 – Movie theatres nationwide will celebrate National Popcorn Day, the annual nationwide celebration of America’s favorite movie snack on Monday, January 19. An initiative of Cinema United and The Cinema Foundation, this one-day-only event, at participating theatres, will feature unique promotions, discounts and offers on hot delicious movie theatre popcorn. Fandango, the nation’s leading online ticketing service, has joined the campaign for another year as its presenting sponsor.

“National Popcorn Day is one of those moments that reminds us why people love going to the movies,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “It’s about sharing a big screen experience, and enjoying the amazing combination of movies and popcorn together that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else.”

“We’re excited to once again partner with The Cinema Foundation to celebrate National Popcorn Day in theatres nationwide on January 19,” said Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango. “The theatrical experience is truly unmatched, and concessions like Popcorn play a big role in making every theater visit memorable to fans, whether they are watching the latest blockbuster, a beloved re-release, or even a live event. We’re proud to support exhibitors by helping fans enjoy their favorite theater snacks at a great value.”

According to a Fandango study of more than 6,000 Moviegoers, 96% of general ticket buyers said they purchased concessions during their trip to the movies with Popcorn being one of the most popular items and 61% of participants saying they like to order a variety of concessions.

To find participating theatres and their offers, visit your local movie theatre’s website or app, AtTheMovies.co, or Fandango.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

ABOUT THE CINEMA FOUNDATION

The Cinema Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit dedicated to strengthening the cinema industry and engaging moviegoing audiences around the country. The Foundation promotes and enhances the exhibition industry through programming, events and activities, while spearheading the development of vital industry data, research and consumer insights, education and community involvement to advance the moviegoing experience.

ABOUT FANDANGO

Fandango digital network provides unrivaled, instant access to all things movies and TV, enhancing fan enjoyment across the entire entertainment journey. The portfolio serves more than 50 million unique visitors per month and includes leading online movie ticketer, Fandango, which tickets for 31,000 U.S. movie screens; world-renowned entertainment review site, Rotten Tomatoes; and Fandango at Home (previously Vudu), the on-demand streaming service offering the industry’s best selection of 4K UHD titles and more than 250,000 new release and catalogue movies and next day TV shows.