Member News Archives | Cinema United

April 14, 2026

TikTok and Cinema United Release New Report Focused On Platform’s Positive Impact on Moviegoing

Built By Fandom Report Finds that Sustained TikTok Engagement Consistently Predicts Stronger Box Office Holds Across Genres, Release Sizes, and Audience Types

LAS VEGAS (April 14, 2026) – TikTok and Cinema United today released Built By Fandom: How TikTok Audiences Are Powering Modern Theatrical Success, a new report examining how engagement on TikTok correlates with theatrical performance. Developed with box office data from Comscore, the report finds that TikTok activity is not just a measure of cultural buzz; it is a leading indicator of box office staying power.

“This report reinforces what we know to be true: that moviegoing is a cultural experience that resonates deeply with audiences,” says Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “The data shows that when films connect with communities on TikTok, people come to theatres. That is good for our members, good for Main Streets around the world, and good for the movie industry.”

Across four films representing a deliberate cross-section of the modern theatrical landscape—The Housemaid, Sinners, Wicked: For Good, and Zootopia 2—the report identifies a consistent pattern: as TikTok engagement grew week-over-week, so did box office receipts. The findings hold across a thriller based on a best-selling book; a singular genre-bending film that weaves together culture, music, family, and the supernatural; the epic conclusion of a global cinematic cultural sensation; and a record-breaking animated feature sequel, strengthening the case that the dynamic is not genre-specific and the marketplace succeeds when there is something for everyone.

“This report underscores that fandom on TikTok isn’t just a cultural force; it’s a business driver. When audiences discover a film on the platform, they don’t just watch it—they participate, create, share, and show up in person,” says Dennis Papirowski, Global Head of Entertainment and News at TikTok. “Our global FilmTok community has a unique ability to mobilize that passion into real, measurable momentum, and we’re proud to partner with exhibitors and studios to keep translating that energy into audiences in seats.”

The results are striking. Sinners posted the best second-weekend hold of any wide release in 2025, dropping just 5%, following a 459% surge in TikTok posts during its first week and an additional 7% increase the next week. The Housemaid earned more in its second week than its first—a rare outcome—as TikTok activity rose 13%. Wicked: For Good peaked at nearly 60,000 TikTok posts per day, more than any other 2025 film measured. Zootopia 2 saw TikTok posts surge 163% in its second week, adding $58 million domestically as fan conversation continued to build long after opening weekend.

For exhibitors, the report offers something beyond marketing insight with actionable intelligence for programming decisions. By using TikTok momentum as an indicator, theatre operators gain an additional data point for hold decisions, identifying which films are building audiences beyond opening weekend.

The report also highlights TikTok’s role earlier in the funnel. According to surveys conducted by TikTok, nearly 50% of users say they have discovered a new movie on the platform. Of those, 42% looked up showtimes and 36% purchased a ticket, demonstrating TikTok’s ability to convert online engagement into real-world moviegoing.

Download the full report here.

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

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/Twitter.

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. The Coca-Cola Company and Barco are the official co-presenting sponsors of CinemaCon® 2026. For more information, visit cinemacon.com. Follow CinemaCon on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

April 14, 2026

Cinema United President and CEO Michael O’Leary Delivers State of the Industry At CinemaCon 2026

Address Focused on Key Themes of Unity, Industry Highlights, Innovation and Investment in Exhibition, Consolidation, and Theatrical Exclusivity

LAS VEGAS (APRIL 14, 2026) – Today, Cinema United President and CEO Michael O’Leary took to the Dolby Colosseum stage to deliver his annual State of the Industry address at CinemaCon 2026. O’Leary touted the current strength of the exhibition industry, including themes of unity and growing audience trends, while not shying away from issues concerning consolidation and theatrical exclusivity.

“Theatre owners work every day to make their cinemas special, from reinvesting in technology and infrastructure to special events,” said O’Leary, citing several examples of Cinema United members connecting with their communities. “And not surprisingly, audiences are responding.”

Highlighting theatrical exhibition as a Main Street industry, O’Leary emphasized the importance of moviegoing and its cultural and economic impact on communities throughout history. He reinforced the need for unity by spotlighting the newly announced Cinema United Filmmaker Leadership Council, saying that “this collaboration could not have come at a more crucial time, and I want to thank these world-class filmmakers and artists for their leadership and commitment to exhibition.”

Addressing consolidation, O’Leary reiterated Cinema United’s strong stance, stating: “Further concentrating marketplace power in the hands of a smaller group of distributors that dictate the terms, windows, scheduling, screen-placement of movies, and access to historic film catalogs will have a real and lasting impact on Main Street and millions of movie fans around the world.”

On theatrical exclusivity, O’Leary touted a change in attitude among distributors: “After six-plus years of theories and experiments devoted to proving that theatrical’s days have passed, there is a growing recognition of something we have always known—theatrical exhibition is the foundation upon which the entire entertainment industry rests, and that will never change.”

O’Leary pointed out that in 2025, the average theatrical window for the top 100 films was 37 days, representing a three-day increase over the previous year. He added that if those releases last year benefited from a minimum 45-day window, the overall average would have been a full two weeks longer at 49 days, emphasizing the critical nature of exclusive windows for theaters.

O’Leary concluded his speech by looking to the future: “If we work together, if we stay disciplined and focused on the future, I know that someone, fifty years from now, will stand on a stage like this, in an auditorium full of theatre operators to celebrate the wonder of our industry and chart a path for yet another century of movies on the big screen.”

About Cinema United

About CinemaCon

April 14, 2026

CinemaCon 2026 Daily Recap – Day One

The first day of CinemaCon kicked off with three Educational Programming Tracks for attendees.

The Audiences and Innovation track featured three panel discussions:

Boxoffice’s Daniel Loria moderated “Reclaiming Cultural Moments, Locally and Globally: Winning in an Era of Attention Warfare” with Fathom Entertainment’s Shannah Miller, Cinemark’s Laura Najlis, Cineplexx’s Christof Papousek, and Disney’s David Sieden. The panel stressed that exhibition holds advantages that no digital platform can touch: the collective electricity of shared in-person reactions, the sense of community that forms when strangers experience a story together, and the ritual of going to the movies that still carries cultural weight.

Paul Dergarabedian and Mike Polydoros moderated “Understanding 2026 Audiences: Gen Z and Emerging Trends” with GKIDS’ Chance Huskey and YouTube Content Creator Jeremy Jahns. The session provided exhibitors with actionable insights into 2026 moviegoing trends and what Gen Z audiences seek in entertainment.

“Optimizing the Cinema Experience: A Showcase of World Class Cinema Designs” was moderated by Cinema Association Australasia’s Cameron Mitchell, who was joined by Omniplex’s Paul John Anderson, Galaxy Cinemas’ Ms. Mai Hoa, and HOYTS’ Damian Keogh. The panel allowed exhibitors to showcase examples of best practice from their foyers, auditoriums, F&B outlets and cinema concepts.

The Food & Beverage track kicked off with “Building the Next Generation of Food & Beverage Leaders” with EF&B Association’s Dan Herrle, which explored new and effective ways to develop management teams and strengthen frontline performance. Next was “Now Showing: The Latest in Food & Beverage Innovation” with Cinemark’s David Haywood, Santikos’ Rob Lehman, and Marcus’ Rob Novak. The F&B track concluded with “Reimagining the Lobby & Concession Experience” featuring J& Snack Foods’ Dan Fachner, Mars Snacking’s Michael Kelly, and The Coca-Cola Company’s Josh Nations.

The Technology track boasted an impressive slate of panels. “Beyond the Screen: Immersive Tech Transforming Theaters” kicked things off with ICTA’s Jan Runge moderating and Dolby’s Michael Archer, Regal’s Matt Basford, Barco’s Carlo Rijsbrack, and GDC’s Annie Wang guiding a discussion about how advancements in imaging and sound technologies are redefining presentation quality and helping theaters stand out in a competitive market. “Practical AI for Streamlined Theater Operations” was led by UNIC’s Laura Houlgatte Abott and featured LOOK Cinemas’ Brian Schultz, The Boxoffice Company’s Marine Suttle, and Vue’s Otto Turton. The technology track ended with “Leveraging Technology to Engage with Audiences” moderated by The Boxoffice Company’s Stan Ruszkowski, Rokt’s Callum Donnelly, B&B’s Paul Farnsworth, Letterboxd’s Matt Kolowski, Google’s Eric Moro, and TikTok’s Dawn Yang.

The CinemaCon Film Showcase brought Angel, Sony Pictures Classics and STUDIOCANAL to the Dolby Colosseum stage. Angel touted a wide range of releases, but spent the most time on Young Washington, their historical epic opening on July 3. Sony Pictures Classics touted new films from Pedro Almodovar and David Wain, among others. STUDIOCANAL brought in Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle to talk about Ink, his new film about Rupert Murdoch.

To kick off the evening, Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob received the Legend of Cinema award following heartfelt introductions from Michael O’Leary and Tom Rothman. O’Leary spoke about how supportive Ellis has been, and how he often to calls to check in without any requests or motives.

Finally, Sony closed out the evening with an excellent presentation that touted such promising upcoming blockbusters as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Resident Evil, and Jumanji: Open World.

April 10, 2026

CinemaCon® Announces Its 2026 Big Screen Achievement Awards Honorees

LAS VEGAS (April 9, 2026) – CinemaCon^®, the world’s largest convention for the global cinema industry and the official convention of Cinema United, revealed today the honorees for the 2026 Big Screen Achievement Awards, taking place on April 16 at The Dolby Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This year’s honorees are James Cameron (Cinema United Spirit of the Industry), Queen Latifah (Cultural Impact in Film), LaKeith Stanfield (Star of the Year), Adam Scott (Award of Excellence in Acting), Noah Centineo (Star of Tomorrow), and Catherine Laga’aia (Rising Star of 2026).

Designed to recognize the remarkable achievements of the extraordinary talent behind the movies made for the theatrical experience, the Big Screen Achievement Awards afford an opportunity for the global theatrical exhibition industry to show their gratitude to the performers and filmmakers who bring the magic of movies to their screens.

“Our industry is at its best when those in it come together to celebrate the power of seeing a movie on the big screen,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “This includes the incredibly talented people both in front of and behind the camera, whose work is at the heart of what makes the moviegoing experience so powerful and enduring. The films from this year’s honorees will undoubtedly capture the imaginations of audiences around the world, and we are proud to honor their achievements.”

The Big Screen Achievement Awards, hosted by CinemaCon’s official co-presenting sponsor The Coca-Cola Company, takes place at The Dolby Colosseum at Caesars Palace, and represent the finale to the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition, CinemaCon. Hosting the awards this year will be Entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner.

James Cameron’s upcoming film, Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), opens in theaters on May 8, 2026 via Paramount Pictures. Captured during her sold-out world tour, the film brings an innovative new concert experience to the big screen from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation. Presented in immersive 3D, the film is directed by Cameron and Billie Eilish.

Queen Latifah returns next year as the voice of Ellie in Ice Age: Boiling Point, due in theaters on February 5, 2027. A dinosaur-and-lava-filled madcap adventure, Ice Age: Boiling Point takes Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, Scrat and the rest of the herd to visit never-before-seen corners of the treacherous Lost World. Latifah is a GRAMMY^® Award-winning musician, Oscar^®-nominated actress, producer and entrepreneur with a career spanning music, film, and television. Since making her big screen debut in Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever, Latifah has delivered standout performances in such films as Set it Off, Living Out Loud, Chicago, Bringing Down the House, The Secret Life of Bees, Hairspray, Mad Money, The Last Holiday, Beauty Shop, Girls Trip and Miracles from Heaven — to name just a few. On the small screen, she received an Emmy Award nomination, Golden Globe win, and a SAG Award win for her role in Life Support. Other television credits include Living Single, Steel Magnolias and Bessie for which she received an Emmy Award nomination, Golden Globe nomination and a SAG Award. Most recently she led the hit CBS series The Equalizer.

LaKeith Stanfield can be seen next month starring in NEON’s I Love Boosters, releasing in theaters on May 22, 2026. Written and directed by Boots Riley (Sorry To Bother You), Stanfield stars opposite Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore in a film about a crew of professional shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. An Academy Award nominee whose work spans film, television and music, Stanfield is best known for his work in Judas and the Black Messiah, Get Out, Sorry to Bother You, Knives Out, Uncut Gems, The Harder They Fall, Selma, and Snowden. On television he is widely known for his role in the FX series Atlanta.

Adam Scott stars in Hokum, NEON’s supernatural horror film arriving in theaters May 1, 2026. When novelist Ohm Bauman (Scott) retreats to a remote inn to scatter his parents’ ashes, he is consumed by tales of a witch haunting the honeymoon suite. Disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance force him to confront dark corners of his past. Widely known for his role in Step Brothers, Scott’s other film credits include Madame Web, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Black Mass, The Vicious Kind, Sleeping With Other People, Bachelorette, The Disaster Artist, Our Idiot Brother, Monster-In-Lay, Knocked Up, and The Aviator. Scott has earned Emmy, Golden Globe , Screen Actors Guild, Film Independent Spirit and Critics’ Choice Award nominations for his starring role in Apple TV’s Severance. Other notable small screen work includes Parks and Recreation, Big Little Lies, Party Down, and The Good Place.

Noah Centineo will star in Paramount Pictures’ Street Fighter, coming to theatres on October 16, 2026. Filmed for IMAX^®and set in 1993, Street Fighter is set to bring the battle from the arcade to the big screen with Hadoukens, roundhouses, and all your favorite characters. In addition to Street Fighter, Centineo is currently in production on John Rambo and will star in and produce the live-action Gundam. His additional film credits include Union County, Warfare, The Recruit and Black Adam. In 2023, Centineo founded Arkhum Productions alongside Enzo Marc producing such films as Our Hero, Balthazar and the upcoming Iconoclast, Meta, and Listen. Centineo rose to fame in the popular trilogy To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before and the series The Fosters.

Catherine Laga’aia will make her big screen debut in Moana, Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar^®-nominated animated adventure opening exclusively in theaters on July 10, 2026. Moana (Laga’aia)answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people. Prior to landing the role of Moana in a worldwide search, Laga’aia appeared in the limited series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and will next be seen in the 2027 the feature film thriller Crashout.

Approved press images for award honorees can be downloaded here.

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. The Coca-Cola Company and Barco are the official co-presenting sponsors of CinemaCon® 2026. For more information, visitcinemacon.com. Follow CinemaCon on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

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April 8, 2026

Cinema United Unveils Strategic Partnership with Leading Filmmakers

Filmmaker Leadership Council, led by Jerry Bruckheimer and Emma Thomas, to provide meaningful support for the theatrical experience

Acclaimed Directors Brad Bird, Ryan Coogler, Jason Reitman and Celine Song round out charter membership of the new Council

LOS ANGELES, CA – (April 8, 2026) – Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association representing more than 60,000 movie screens worldwide, announced today the formation of its Filmmaker Leadership Council, a strategic group of world-class filmmakers united in a single cause to champion the future of cinema worldwide. The council will be led by Oscar^®-nominated filmmaker Jerry Bruckheimer as Chair and Academy Award^® winner Emma Thomas as Vice Chair. In addition, Academy Award^® winner Ryan Coogler, two-time Oscar^® winner Brad Bird, four-time Oscar^® nominee Jason Reitman and Academy Award^® nominee Celine Song round out the charter membership of the inaugural Council. Bruckheimer and Thomas will be on hand at this year’s CinemaCon^®, held April 13-16 in Las Vegas, where they will appear in discussion with Cinema United President and CEO, Michael O’Leary, who today made the announcement. Additional members are soon to be announced.

“Our industry is strongest when it works together to promote the singular experience of seeing a movie on the big screen,” comments O’Leary. “That is what drives us—and it is what will forge the Next Great Era in Cinema. The importance of having Jerry and Emma at the helm of this initiative, at such a critical time for our industry, cannot be overstated. The insight, leadership, passion and impact from the entire leadership council is unparalleled, and we are honored to be working alongside all of them to secure the future of the theatrical experience for generations to come.”

The Cinema United Filmmaker Leadership Council will bring together some of the world’s most influential movie creators to work alongside Cinema United to provide vital feedback and recommendations on the most pressing issues facing theatrical exhibition today—including consolidation, sustainable windows, the promotion and marketing of the cinematic experience, and highlighting innovation and technology. Instrumental in the creation of the council is industry veteran and Cinema United senior consultant, Greg Foster, who will serve as Executive Director of the Filmmaker Leadership Council.

“Movies that captivate audiences and take their breath away—that’s why so many of us got into this business in the first place. There is nothing like that feeling of sitting in a dark theatre, the sound washing over you, watching something unfold on a massive screen that you simply cannot replicate anywhere else,” says Jerry Bruckheimer. “As filmmakers, we pour everything we have into creating those moments. We are at a defining point in the future of this industry, and I am honored to join this incredible group of filmmakers and work alongside Cinema United to ensure that experience endures—in cities and towns across the globe, for audiences everywhere.”

“There is a profound cultural value in gathering together with a group of strangers and connecting while experiencing something special on the big screen,” Emma Thomas reflects. “That shared moment—the laughter, the tears, the collective intake of breath—is irreplaceable. That is what this is about: making sure that cinemas of all sizes, around the world, can continue to present our stories in the best possible setting, so movie fans of all ages can enjoy them as they were intended to be seen.”

O’Leary adds: “On behalf of everyone in exhibition, I want to express our profound gratitude to this remarkable group of filmmakers for their commitment to this cause. We are excited to work together to ensure that local theatres continue to be cultural and economic anchors of their communities, and to preserve the unparalleled experience of a movie on the big screen for moviegoers everywhere.”

Jerry Bruckheimer is one of the most successful film and television producers of all time with a career that has spanned more than 50 years. His films, including the monumentally successful PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, TOP GUN, NATIONAL TREASURE, BAD BOYS, and BEVERLY HILLS COP franchises, BLACK HAWK DOWN, PEARL HARBOR, REMEMBER THE TITANS, ARMAGEDDON, THE ROCK, CRIMSON TIDE, and FLASHDANCE, have collectively grossed nearly $15 billion at the global box office. Bruckheimer received an Academy Award^® nomination as producer on TOP GUN: MAVERICK (2022), which received six Oscar^® nominations including Best Motion Picture and won for Best Sound. The film became a box office phenomenon, grossing nearly $1.5 billion at the global box office. Bruckheimer most recently released F1: THE MOVIE for Warner Bros. and Apple Original Films, starring Brad Pitt. That film also went on to become a worldwide hit at the box office, earning more than $631 million globally to become the highest-grossing sports movie of all time. The film received four Academy Award^® nominations including Best Picture and won the Oscar^® for Best Sound.

An Academy Award^® winner for producing the global blockbuster phenomenon OPPENHEIMER, Emma Thomas is the co-founder of the production company, Syncopy, Inc. She is the co-producer, alongside Christopher Nolan, of films including MEMENTO, THE PRESTIGE, INCEPTION, THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY, INTERSTELLAR, DUNKIRK, TENET and the upcoming THE ODYSSEY for Universal Pictures. In addition to her Academy Award^® for OPPENHEIMER, Thomas is the winner of the BAFTA, Producers Guild, Golden Globe^® and Critics Choice Award. She was awarded a Damehood (DBE) by King Charles III in December 2024 at Buckingham Palace for her significant contributions to the film industry.

Ryan Coogleris a writer, director and producer. He wrote, directed and produced the feature SINNERS starring Michael B. Jordan, the highest grossing original feature of 2025, amassing over $365M globally. His groundbreaking film, BLACK PANTHER became the highest-grossing domestic release of 2018. Coogler also wrote and directed the hit sequel BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER, which was released in November 2022. Coogler’s additional directing credits include CREED and his critically acclaimed debut feature FRUITVALE STATION. He is the founder of production company Proximity Media, alongside partners Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian. Proximity Media has produced SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY, which opened number one in the global box office in 2021; critically acclaimed JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH; and the box office hit CREED III, which grossed over $275 million worldwide, as well as docu-series HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME, which reached #1 on Hulu and is National Geographic’s most-watched series ever in the U.S.; Disney Streaming, Marvel limited event series IRON HEART; animated anthology series EYES OF WAKANDA and award-winning podcast “In Proximity.”

Oscar^® nominated writer-director Jason Reitman is known for directing acclaimed comedies like THANK YOU FOR SMOKING, JUNO, UP IN THE AIR, GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE and SATURDAY NIGHT, and producing the films WHIPLASH and JENNIFER’S BODY. He is the producer of the hit show CASUAL and directed two episodes of THE OFFICE. His filmmaking career began at USC, where he created several short films which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. During Covid, he directed a shot-for-shot remake of A PRINCESS BRIDE to raise money for World Central Kitchen. He is also the creator of the Live Read and was an artist-in-residence at LACMA as a result. Recently, Reitman led a group of thirty directors to purchase and save the historic Village Theater in Westwood. As a result, he is a member of Cinema United. Reitman has served on the National Board of the DGA and is currently a Governor in the Academy.

Brad Bird is a two-time Academy Award^®–winning writer and director known for his distinctive storytelling across animation and live action. He directed THE IRON GIANT (1999), now widely regarded as a modern classic, and went on to create THE INCREDIBLES (2004) and RATATOUILLE (2007), both of which earned him Academy Awards^® for Best Animated Feature. After attending the California Institute of the Arts on a Disney scholarship, Bird began his career as an animator at Disney at age 20. Moving into television, he contributed to the first eight seasons of THE SIMPSONS. He later transitioned to live action with MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL (2011), one of the most successful entries in the franchise, followed by the original science-fiction film TOMORROWLAND (2015). He returned to animation with INCREDIBLES 2 (2018), which became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. Known for blending emotional depth with large-scale storytelling, Bird continues to develop original work, including his upcoming film, RAY GUNN.

April 8, 2026

Cinema United’s President and CEO Michael O’Leary Discusses Filmmaker Leadership Council on The Town with Matt Belloni

In the lead up to CinemaCon, Cinema United’s President & CEO Michael O’Leary joined The Town with Matt Belloni for a wide-ranging discussion about Cinema United’s new Filmmaker Leadership Council, the current surging box office, innovations and investments in cinemas, and more.

Watch the full episode here:

April 1, 2026

Jon Favreau To Headline This Year’s Creative Community Luncheon Discussion At CinemaCon®

Acclaimed Filmmaker and Director of Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” Will be Joined in Conversation by Moderator Matt Belloni of “The Town”

Event to Be Held April 16 at Caesars Palace’s Octavius Ballroom in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (April 1, 2026) – Award-winning filmmaker Jon Favreau, director and producer of Lucasfilm’s highly-anticipated Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, starring Pedro Pascal, will headline the annual CinemaCon^® Creative Community Luncheon to be held in the afternoon on Thursday, April 16 at Caesars Palace’s Octavius Ballroom in Las Vegas. The host for this year’s Creative Community Luncheon discussion will be Matt Belloni, editor and founding partner of Puck News and host of “The Town with Matt Belloni.”

“Anticipation for a new Star Wars movie on the big screen is sky high, making this an incredible way to kick off the summer movie season,” says Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “This event presents a great opportunity to hear from Jon Favreau, one of the most talented filmmakers working today. I want to thank Jon, Matt Belloni for hosting, as well as the entire teams at Disney and Lucasfilm for helping ensure this luncheon will be the talk of CinemaCon.”

The annual luncheon, which is traditionally held on the final day of CinemaCon, will take place just ahead of The Walt Disney Studios’ presentation at 2:30pm PT, bringing the week to an epic close.

A cornerstone of the show, the luncheon is an opportunity for the global exhibition industry to hear directly from the extraordinary and innovative creators behind some of the year’s biggest theatrical releases. Past participants at the annual CinemaCon luncheon have included Glen Powell, Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin, Edgar Wright, Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Elizabeth Banks, Jerry Bruckheimer, Patty Jenkins, and Jon M. Chu. This year’s Creative Community Luncheon is sponsored by Fathom Entertainment and by D-BOX Technologies.

The Mandalorian and Grogu, opening exclusively in theatres worldwide on May 22, marks a welcome return for the Star Wars franchise to CinemaCon being the first theatrical release in the Star Wars canon to be represented there since 2019’s Rise of the Skywalker. The Mandalorian and Grogu also stars Sigourney Weaver and is produced by Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Ian Bryce, with music composed by Ludwig Göransson.

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. CinemaCon’s 2026 official presenting sponsors are The Coca-Cola Company and Barco.

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. The Coca-Cola Company and Barco are the official co-presenting sponsors of CinemaCon® 2026. For more information, visit cinemacon.com. Follow CinemaCon on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

March 23, 2026

CinemaCon® Renames Caesars Palace Venue “The Dolby Colosseum” For 2026 Global Convention

New Name Marks the First Time the Colosseum at Caesars Palace Will be Branded During the Week-long Show in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (March 23, 2026) – For the first time in CinemaCon^® history, the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas will be called “The Dolby Colosseum” for the week-long duration of this year’s convention, held April 13-16. Dolby, a leader in immersive entertainment experiences, has signed the naming rights deal for this year’s CinemaCon, in addition to its ongoing support of the convention, hosted by Cinema United. Dolby has been a sponsor of CinemaCon since its inception in 2011. The Dolby Colosseum will once again be outfitted with Academy Award-winning Dolby Atmos® sound and the Dolby Vision® laser projection system.

“We are excited about the next step in our invaluable partnership with Dolby Laboratories. State-of-the-art technology is a cornerstone of the theatrical experience and renaming CinemaCon’s iconic main venue for this incredible global leader is a natural choice,” says Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “The talented people at Dolby bring unparalleled innovation and excitement to theatres each day, and it is only fitting that the world’s premier celebration of going to the movies take place in ‘The Dolby Colosseum.’ I want to thank Jed Harmsen and everyone at Dolby for their continuing leadership, and their unwavering support of exhibition.”

“CinemaCon has always been an impactful industry moment for highlighting Dolby Cinema, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision,” says Jed Harmsen, Head of Cinema and Group Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories. “This year, we are excited to elevate our dedication to bringing a new level of truly immersive entertainment to moviegoers everywhere and have the Dolby Colosseum be the home for studio presentations during CinemaCon.”

In addition to other industry technologies, for the past 15 years, Dolby has been instrumental in providing state-of-the-art quality for main stage studio presentations in the Colosseum. Several presentations during the week of CinemaCon will be presented in both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Dolby is also the official sponsor of the CinemaCon® app.

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

About Dolby

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB) is a world leader in immersive entertainment. From movies and TV, to music, sports, gaming, and beyond, Dolby transforms the science of sight and sound into spectacular experiences for billions of people worldwide across all their favorite devices. We partner with artists, storytellers, and the brands you love to transform entertainment and digital experiences through groundbreaking innovations like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, Dolby Cinema, and Dolby OptiView.

About Cinema United

About CinemaCon

March 17, 2026

Black Bear and CinemaCon® Partner On Opening Night Party

Black Bear Also to Serve as Spotlight Sponsor for Week-Long Convention in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – MARCH 17, 2026 – CinemaCon^®, the world’s largest convention for the global cinema industry and the official convention of Cinema United, has announced that Black Bear will serve as sponsor of CinemaCon’s Opening Night Party on Monday, April 13, at the Soleia Rooftop Nightclub at the Cromwell in Las Vegas. The celebration will cap off an eventful opening day of the theatrical industry’s biggest week of the year, and Black Bear, a leading independent studio that produces, finances, and distributes film and television content worldwide, also will serve as a Spotlight Sponsor of the convention. The annual launch party will highlight Black Bear’s upcoming release titles, including In The Grey, Tuner, Spa Weekend, Wife & Dog, The Rivals of Amziah King, and Wicker.

”We are excited to partner with Black Bear and spotlight their impressive slate at this year’s CinemaCon,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “I want to thank the entire Black Bear team for their partnership. Our industry succeeds when there is something for everyone, and Black Bear’s diverse range of films will appeal to moviegoers in 2026 and beyond.”

“Black Bear is passionate about connecting moviegoing audiences with filmmaker-driven fare as well as wide-release action and genre films,” said David Spitz, Black Bear’s Head of U.S. Theatrical Distribution. “Partnering with CinemaCon lets us celebrate the industry and reaffirm our commitment to the theatrical experience. We’re excited to bring our distinctive slate of films to theaters as we expand our U.S. distribution footprint.”

Black Bear’s upcoming releases include: Guy Ritchie’s In the Grey, starring Henry Cavill, Academy Award-nominee Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza González; Academy Award-winning director Daniel Roher’s Tuner, starring Leo Woodall, Havana Rose Liu, and Academy Award-winner Dustin Hoffman; The Rivals of Amziah King, starring Academy Award-winner Matthew McConaughey; Spa Weekend, starring Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Michelle Buteau, and Anna Faris; Guy Ritchie’s Wife & Dog, starring Academy Award-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch, Academy Award-nominee Rosamund Pike, and Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins; and Sundance breakout Wicker, starring Academy Award-winner Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, and Peter Dinklage.

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 and Barco are the official co-presenting sponsors of CinemaCon 2026. For more information, visit cinemacon.com. Follow CinemaCon on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

About Black Bear

Black Bear is one of the world’s leading independent studios, producing, financing, and distributing film and television content around the world. Founded in 2011, with offices in Santa Monica and London, the studio is behind a diversified slate that blends critically acclaimed, filmmaker-driven fare with broadly commercial action and genre titles. The company directly distributes films in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, and Canada, where subsidiary Elevation Pictures is the territory’s top independent distributor. Black Bear’s original films include Academy Award nominees Train Dreams, The Imitation Game, Sing Sing, Nyad, and Mudbound, as well as Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Craig Gillespie’s Dumb Money, J Blakeson’s I Care a Lot, and David Ayer’s A Working Man. Via its international sales business, Black Bear has sold films including Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs and The Monkey, and upcoming films including Marc Forster’s Anxious People, starring Angelina Jolie, Aimee Lou Wood, and Jason Segel. The company’s distribution operations in the U.K. and Canada have been behind Academy Award and BAFTA winners including Edward Berger’s Conclave, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, and Sean Baker’s Anora.

Upcoming films being distributed in the U.S. by Black Bear include Guy Ritchie’s In the Grey, starring Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza Gonzalez; Daniel Roher’s Tuner, starring Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman; Spa Weekend, from Bad Moms directors Jon Lucas & Scott Moore, starring Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Michelle Buteau, and Anna Faris; Guy Ritchie’s Wife & Dog, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike, and Anthony Hopkins; and Sundance breakout Wicker, starring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, and Peter Dinklage. Black Bear also has a bespoke management arm, through which it represents singular creative talent, including directors, writers, and actors.

March 9, 2026

CinemaCon® Welcomes GKIDS And Academy Award® Winning Filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki To The Main Stage For The First Time

GKIDS to Kickstart Tuesday’s Programming with Exclusive Sneak Peek Footage of “Godzilla Minus Zero” Hosted by Its Oscar®-winning Filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki

Newest Addition Highlights the Importance of Diverse Global Options and Alternative Storytelling on the Big Screen

LAS VEGAS – March 9, 2026 – CinemaCon®, the world’s largest convention for the global cinema industry and the official convention of Cinema United, announced today that it will kick off its Tuesday, April 14 studio presentations on the main stage of the Caesars Palace Colosseum with a special preview from GKIDS, further demonstrating the importance of diverse movies seen on the big screen.

GKIDS, the Academy Award®-winning curator, producer, and distributor that was acquired by TOHO in 2024, will kick off Tuesday morning’s “State of the Industry” opening presentation with exclusive sneak preview footage from the highly anticipated Godzilla Minus Zero. Director Takashi Yamazaki, who won 2023’s Academy Award® for Best Visual Effects for the box office phenom Godzilla Minus One, will take the stage at CinemaCon for the first time for a special introduction to the upcoming film. This year’s exclusive first-look of footage from Godzilla Minus Zero bookends an earlier presentation from 2024, when TOHO President Hiro Matsuoka took to the stage at CinemaCon to celebrate the historic release of Godzilla Minus One, and highlight the Godzilla franchise’s 70^th anniversary.

“The future strength of our industry depends on a year-round diverse slate of films that speaks to the broad range of moviegoing audiences around the world. GKIDS exemplifies a commitment to diverse moviegoing choices, and we are thrilled to be working with them,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “Many thanks to David Jesteadt, the entire GKIDS team and the visionary filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki for their continued support of theatrical and what is sure to be an incredible show.”

“We are longtime champions of the importance of the shared theatrical experience,” said David Jesteadt, President of GKIDS. “We believe there’s no better place to kick off Yamazaki-san’s Godzilla Minus Zero than at CinemaCon with the folks who present that movie magic on the big screen: the cinema owners.”

TOHO will release Godzilla Minus Zero theatrically in Japan on Tuesday, November 3, with GKIDS set to launch a wide theatrical release across North America beginning Friday, November 6, 2026.

This news follows on the heels of the previously announced inaugural “CinemaCon Film Showcase,” which will feature Angel, Row K Entertainment and STUDIOCANAL, all on the main stage for the first time on Monday, April 13. 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 GKIDS

GKIDS is the Academy Award-winning curator, producer, and distributor of artist-driven, globally inspired cinema dedicated to connecting North American audiences with distinctive stories from around the world. Widely celebrated for its leadership in the “animation is film” movement, the studio has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape for feature animation in the U.S. and internationally for nearly two decades. GKIDS represents the work of many of the world’s most acclaimed animation filmmakers, including Makoto Shinkai (Your Name., Weathering With You), Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress), Tomm Moore (Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers), Mamoru Hosoda (Mirai, Wolf Children), and serves as the North American home of Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli.

Upcoming theatrical releases include the Oscar-nominated Kokuho, a generations-spanning drama set in the world of kabuki, which has become the highest-grossing Japanese live action film of all time in its home market; the highly anticipated Godzilla Minus Zero, from the Academy Award-winning filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki; and Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, the latest Aardman feature in the beloved Oscar-nominated film series.In addition to the Oscar-nominated Little Amélie and the Character of Rain, recent theatrical releases are the box office hit Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution, Mamoru Oshii’s cult classic Angel’s Egg, and the critically acclaimed All You Need Is Kill, alongside groundbreaking television series such as Dan Da Dan, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Arcane: League of Legends. @GKIDSFilms

About GODZILLA MINUS ZERO

Godzilla Minus Zero is the highly anticipated new film from director, screenwriter and with VFX by Takashi Yamazaki, who won the Academy Award® for Best Visual Effects for Godzilla Minus One. While plot details remain tightly under wraps, CinemaCon attendees can look forward to a special first look of the hotly anticipated new feature. TOHO will release Godzilla Minus Zero theatrically in Japan on Tuesday, November 3, with GKIDS set to launch a wide theatrical release across North America beginning Friday, November 6, 2026. Takashi Yamazaki returns to Godzilla as Director, Screenwriter and for VFX. The film, which is currently in production, is produced by TOHO Studios and ROBOT, with VFX from SHIROGUMI Inc.

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. 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.