Main Street Industry Trade Association Doubles Down on Mission of Moviegoing
New Name Reflects Commitment to a Bright Future of Movies on the Big Screen
WASHINGTON, D.C. & LOS ANGELES – March 18, 2025 – Today, the world’s largest exhibition trade association, the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), announced that it will be re-named Cinema United. Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based organization made the announcement, reporting that the change will take effect immediately.
“Cinema United is a celebration of who we are as an industry, but more importantly, where we’re headed,” O’Leary said. “The people we represent are constantly innovating and creating unparalleled experiences for fans who love movies on the big screen. Their passion, energy and commitment are the real power behind the Cinema United brand.”
The new name, which comes just in time for CinemaCon, the organization’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition held March 31-April 3 in Las Vegas, points to the unique and unmatched communal experience of seeing a movie in the cinema, as well as the industry’s commitment to innovation and the future of theatrical exhibition. The organization’s new mantra— “Moviegoing is Our Mission”—speaks directly to this mandate and acts as a celebration of moviegoing as a cultural touchstone for countless people worldwide.
“Cinema United will remind people of the magic of seeing a movie on the big screen,” said Cinema United Executive Board Chairman Bob Bagby. “Our industry is fully dedicated to ensuring that the theatrical experience remains the premier entertainment option for millions of fans around the world.”
The decision to re-name the 77-year-old organization came from its Executive Board, for which Bagby also served as the Chair of its Name Change Committee, and will act as a unifying front for both CinemaCon, as well as the Cinema Foundation, the organization’s charitable non-profit arm dedicated to promoting moviegoing. Both entities will operate under Cinema United.
O’Leary added: “I want to thank our board for their incredible partnership and leadership throughout this process. We are all extremely excited for this next chapter in bringing focus back to the people who have made this industry the success it is and will continue to do so for generations to come.”
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.
POWELL ALSO TO BE HONORED AS CINEMACON’S STAR OF THE YEAR
The Director/Co-Writer and Cast of Paramount Pictures’ Highly Anticipated Film, The Running Man, Come Together for Annual Creative Community Luncheon Panel, Moderated by Jacqueline Coley
Luncheon to be Held in the Afternoon on Thursday, April 3, in Caesars Palace’s Octavius Ballroom
That Evening, the 2025 Big Screen Achievement Awards Will Cap Weeklong Celebration of Theatrical Exhibition
LAS VEGAS, NV (March 12, 2025) – Award-winning filmmaker Edgar Wright and the cast of his upcoming Paramount Pictures action-thriller The Running Man, Golden Globe® nominee Glen Powell, Academy Award® nominee Josh Brolin and two-timeAcademy Award® nominee Colman Domingo will headline CinemaCon’s annual Creative Community Luncheon to be held in the afternoon on Thursday, April 3, in Las Vegas. Later that evening, Powell will be honored as Star of the Year at the Big Screen Achievement Awards Celebration.
The annual luncheon, which is traditionally held on the final day of CinemaCon and will be moderated by Rotten Tomatoes Editor Jacqueline Coley, is an exciting and entertaining opportunity for the global exhibition industry to hear directly from the extraordinary and innovative creators and actors behind some of the biggest movies made for the big screen, the world’s premier entertainment option. Past participants at the annual CinemaCon luncheon have included Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Elizabeth Banks, Jerry Bruckheimer, Patty Jenkins and Jon M. Chu.
“The excitement for The Running Man among the exhibition community is extremely high, and the luncheon presents an opportunity to hear thoughts and insights about the film and our industry from this incredible group of talented individuals,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners. “I want to thank the good folks at Paramount Pictures and, of course, The Running Man team, with a special shout-out to Glen on his much deserved award. Everyone’s generosity and collaboration is sure to make this luncheon a must-see event.”
Paramount Pictures’ action-thriller The Running Man opens exclusively in theatres, Dolby Cinema, and IMAX on November 7.
Glen Powell leads the cast of The Running Man after recently starring in, co-writing and producing the Netflix comedy Hit Man, which garnered him a Golden Globe® nomination for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy” and a Critics Choice Awards nomination for “Best Comedy.” He will next be seen in Hulu’s highly anticipated comedy series Chad Powers, that Powell co-created, co-produced and will star in. Powell’s recent releases include the box office hits Twisters, the romantic comedy Anyone But You and the Oscar®-nominated blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick. He also recently wrapped production on the A24 and Studio Canal film Huntington. His previous credits include Hidden Figures, Devotion, and Apollo 10 ½.
Academy Award® nominee Josh Brolin will next be seen starring in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man, and Rian Johnson’s next Knives Out installment, Wake Up Dead Man. Most recently he reprised his role as Gurney Halleck in Dune: Part 2 and as Thanos in Avengers: Endgame, and in 2024 released his memoir “From Under the Truck”. Brolin is best known for The Goonies, W., No Country for Old Men and his Academy Award® nominated performance in Milk.
Colman Domingo is an award-winning actor, producer, and playwright whose work spans film, television, and theater. He recently starred in and produced the Academy Award® nominated Sing Sing, earning Domingo nominations for the Academy Award®, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild, AACTA, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice, as well as the Gotham Award for Best Performance for his role as John Divine G. Whitfield. His other notable film roles include Rustin, If Beale Street Could Talk, Lincoln, The Butler, Selma, Candyman, and Zola. On television, Domingo won a Primetime Emmy for his role in “Euphoria” and will star in the upcoming Netflix series “The Four Seasons.” In addition to The Running Man, next, he will appear in Michael (2025) as Joe Jackson and an untitled Steven Spielberg film set for 2026.
Award winning filmmaker Edgar Wright is the director and co-writer behind cinematic trifecta Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End (aka The Cornetto Trilogy) starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. His box office and Academy Award® nominated/BAFTA winning hit Baby Driver, critic/fan favorite Scott Pilgrim vs The World, BAFTA Award nominated psychological thriller Last Night in Soho, and groundbreaking documentary The Sparks Brothers has cemented him as a true visionary behind the lens with the theatrical experience in mind.
CinemaCon® is the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition, hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) and held from March 31-April 3 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The annual “Industry Insights from the Creative Community” luncheon is sponsored by Fathom Entertainment, Mobile Moviegoing and BeforeTheMovie.
The Big Screen Achievement Awards, hosted by official presenting sponsor The Coca-Cola Company, take place at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, and are the finale to the world’s premiere showcase of theatrical exhibition, CinemaCon. Returning to host the awards this year will be Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier.
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.
About NATO
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) 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. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners. Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at www.cinemacon.com.
Photo (left to right): Bryan Braunlich, The Cinema Foundation; Traci Hanlon, Cinergy Entertainment; Valarie Rico, Santikos Entertainment; Andrew Thomas, Moonstruck Drive-In.
The Cinema Foundation’s own Executive Director Bryan Braunlich moderated a standing-room only kickoff session at South by Southwest on “How Theatres are Eventizing the Moviegoing Experience” with Cinergy Entertainment’s Traci Hanlon, Santikos Entertainment’s Valarie Rico and Moonstruck Drive-In’s Andrew Thomas at the Austin Convention Center on Friday, March 7. The lively SXSW panel discussed how movie theatres of all sizes bring people together, anchor communities, and make each moviegoing experience an event. The exhibition experts talked how community involvement, local partnerships, creative loyalty programs, elevated concessions, social engagement, and in-theatre activations all contribute to the magic of the big screen and keep moviegoers coming back for more.
“Over the years, Sean Baker has been an unwavering champion for the theatrical experience, and we congratulate him and his team, as well as our friends at NEON on their well-deserved Oscar wins tonight.” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of the Cinema United. “Sean’s passion for movies on the big screen resonates with moviegoers around the world. We cannot wait to see what he dreams up next, and when he does, everyone in theatrical exhibition will be standing at the ready to help movie fans see it as intended – on a big screen.”
Per Variety, Baker set a new Oscar record:
“Anora” director Sean Baker has become the first person to win four Oscars in the same year for the same film.
During Sunday’s ceremony, Baker and “Anora” won Oscars for original screenplay, film editing, directing and best picture. With the wins, Baker ties another famous filmmaker: Walt Disney. But while Disney won four Oscars in the same night in 1953, it was for four different films (“The Living Desert,” “The Alaskan Eskimo,” “Bear Country” and “Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom”). Disney was also nominated that year for “Ben and Me” and “Rugged Bear.”
GLOBAL EXHIBITION COMMUNITY WILL BE THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE THREE-TIME OSCAR® NOMINEE DEAN DeBLOIS’ STUNNING TRANSFORMATION OF HIS BELOVED ANIMATED CLASSIC INTO A BREATHTAKING LIVE-ACTION SPECTACLE MORE THAN TWO MONTHS AHEAD OF ITS THEATRICAL RELEASE
THE SPECIAL SCREENING WILL TAKE PLACE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, AT THE COLOSSEUM AT CAESARS PALACE DURING NATO’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF MOVIEGOING
UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND DREAMWORKS’ LIVE-ACTION HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGONOPENS IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE ON JUNE 13, 2025
LOS ANGELES – March 3, 2025 – Universal Pictures, in collaboration with the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), announced today that CinemaCon 2025 will host the worldwide debut of How to Train Your Dragon, the epic live-action reimagining of the beloved DreamWorks Animation film, written and directed by three-time Oscar® nominee and franchise creator Dean DeBlois. The global exhibition community will be the first to experience this new, action-packed summer event film on Wednesday, April 2, at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, more than two months before it opens in theaters on June 13.
“How to Train Your Dragon delivers the perfect blend of blockbuster action, breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling that defines the ultimate theatrical experience,” said Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Universal Pictures. “Dean DeBlois has created a stunning live-action reimagining of his film, which honors his beloved animated classic while soaring to spectacular new heights. We’re thrilled to share this film with our exhibition partners first, as they will be instrumental in bringing this extraordinary adventure to audiences worldwide this summer.”
“We are thrilled that Universal Pictures has chosen to showcase this summer blockbuster for the global exhibition community,” said CinemaCon Managing Director, Mitch Neuhauser. “This movie promises to be a hit with movie fans of all ages all around the world. Seeing it in your local theatre will be an amazing experience, and the global exhibition community is excited to help promote it in the days ahead.”
Hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), CinemaCon is the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition and will take place March 31–April 3 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
About Universal Pictures’ Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon:
From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.
On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.
As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.
The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).
How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by four-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns).
Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.
About NATO
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 34,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and a worldwide total of over 46,000 screens across 82 countries. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners.
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.
While many couples across the country will be hitting movie theaters for date night on Valentine’s Day, other couples, like Colleen and Bill Barstow in Elkhorn, Neb., [pictured above] or Andrew and Juanita Thomas in Houston, will be making sure the projectors are running smoothly and the popcorn is fresh — just as they do every night.
They’re not the only ones. Yahoo Entertainment talked to several couples across the country who have become theater owners in their respective communities, revitalizing silver screens and giving locals a place to connect.
For many of them, getting into the movie business was a decision they never planned.
“Some people come into this industry where they love the gears of a projector or they have the love affair with movies. And while [Colleen and I] certainly had that,” Bill told Yahoo Entertainment, “nothing in our background would prepare us for this.”
That said, none of the couples could imagine it any other way, and they have relished the vital roles they’ve played in their communities.
Meet the four couples who shifted their careers to become local theater owners.
LAS VEGAS – (February 12, 2025) – CinemaCon announced today it will honor Tim Richards CBE, Founder and CEO of Vue, Europe’s largest privately owned cinema chain, with the Global Achievement in Exhibition Award during this year’s CinemaCon, the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United). Richards will be presented with this honor at the International Day Breakfast taking place on Monday, March 31, 2025. CinemaCon will be held March 31-April 3, 2025, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
“Tim Richards and Vue are synonymous with excellence in the motion picture exhibition industry,” notes Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director, CinemaCon. “When it comes to passion, dedication or commitment in moving our industry forward, Tim really has no equal, actively championing both Vue and the industry. As pioneers in ultra luxury seating and theater technology, Vue is continually innovating and investing in the ultimate big screen experience. We are honored to present our 2025 Award for Global Achievement in Exhibition to Tim Richards and Vue.”
Under Richards’ leadership, Vue, the number one cinema operator in the UK, as measured by box office and attendance, has also become one of the world’s leading cinema operators and the largest privately held cinema operator in Europe. The company has expanded through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, including the 2003 purchase of Warner Village Theatres in the UK.
With over 35 years of experience in cinema exhibition and extensive international development and operational experience in markets across Europe, South America, and Asia Pacific, Richards has been a respected industry commentator advocating for British and independent film throughout his career. Prior to entering the entertainment industry, Richards worked as a lawyer on Wall Street. He then joined Paramount and Universal’s joint ventures, UCI and CIC, before becoming Senior Vice President of Business Development at Warner Bros. In 1999 he founded Vue, with support from Boston Ventures, opening the company’s first cinema in Livingston, Scotland, in 2000.
In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Tim was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by His Majesty King Charles III in December 2024. Tim was previously appointed Chair of the British Film Institute (“BFI”) by the British Prime Minister in 2021, following seven years as governor on the BFI board. His leadership extends to multiple board positions across UK and European industry organizations, including BAFTA, the BFI, and the UK Cinema Association.
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.
About Cinema United
The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 88 countries worldwide. Cinema United’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners. Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at www.cinemacon.com.
Cinema United’s Director of Government Relations and Independent Theatre Owner Engagement Todd Halstead visits the Dine-In Cinema + FEC Summit in Austin, Texas, with its founders and organizers, Venue Valet’s Amy Mader and Matt Mader (proudly wearing UT checkerboard overalls on College GameDay in this photo).
This year’s sold-out and expanded Dine-In convention, now in its seventh year, attracted nearly 270 attendees, with the frank conversations, education and evening networking events spanning four days instead of the usual three. Attendees learned about innovations in building community, upgrading sight and sound, food & beverage, new developments in POS and cashless technology, and finding new ways to event-ize the moviegoing experience. This year’s early February event took place at several Cinema United member dine-in theatre destinations, including Flix Brewhouse in Round Rock, Cinépolis’ Moviehouse & Eatery and Schulman Theatres’Film Alley in Georgetown, Texas. The Dine-In Cinema + FEC Summit also expanded their discussions devoted to family entertainment centers with various presentations and discussions related to FEC’s taking place throughout this year’s conference.
From left to right: UDITOA Board Members, Jude Deleonardis (Delsea Drive-In), Donna Saunders (Saunders Theater Properties, LLC), John Vincent Jr. (Wellfleet Cinemas), Susan Kochevar (88 Drive-In Theatre), Ben Harroun (Harvest Moon Drive-In), and Cinema United Director of Membership and Global Affairs, Erin Von Hoetzendorff.
The National Association of Theatre Owners participated in the 2025 Annual UDITOA Convention held from January 27 to 30 in Kissimmee, Florida. The event gathered over 100 drive-in theater owners and operators, providing a platform for industry professionals to discuss trends, challenges, and innovations in the drive-in cinema sector.
Throughout the convention, attendees engaged in a variety of sessions and activities designed to enhance their operations and foster community. The schedule included discussions on topics such as family entertainment centers, alternative income streams, and the newly created DriveInsNearMe.com website. Technical workshops covered areas like DCP-O-Matic and playlist building, while marketing sessions focused on promoting independent and retro films.
The convention also featured networking opportunities, including a vendor trade show. Cinema United appreciates the opportunity to attend the UDITOA convention every year and reinforce the collaborative relationship between Cinema United and UDITOA, highlighting the importance of unity and shared knowledge in advancing the cinema exhibition industry.
From left to right: Cinema United’s Amanda Martin, Film Commission Exec Jon Crowley & Commissioner Janice Kovach, Downtown Cranford Chair Kristen Mider, Cranford Theater Owner Doreen Sayegh, local film commissioner Dr. Thomas Haveron, NJ.com’s Enrique Lavin and CinemaCon’s Matt Pollock.
Cinema United’s Chief of Staff Amanda Martin and CinemaCon’s Associate Managing Director Matt Pollock joined The Cranford Theater owner Doreen Sayegh for a special screening at her nearly 100-year-old cultural landmark, celebrating this weekend’s opening of Neon Pictures’ locally-filmed thriller Presence, directed by Steven Soderbergh, written by David Koepp and starring Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan and Julia Fox. The evening celebrated the success of New Jersey’s tax incentive program with recent films like Presence, filmed entirely at a single location in the theatre’s hometown, and A Complete Unknown, nominated on the same day for eight Academy Awards and shot almost entirely in the Garden State. A panel focusing on New Jersey production and the importance of local cinemas like the Cranford as cornerstones of their communities followed the screening, led by film commissioner Janice Kovach, and featuring Cinema United’s Amanda Martin, Cranford Downtown Director Caren Demyen and New Jersey Motion Picture & TV Commission Executive Director Jon Crowley.
New Look.Same Mission.
The National Association of Theatre Owners is now 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.
