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December 12, 2024

CinemaCon Welcomes Back the Major Studios and Their Film Slates to World’s Largest Theatrical Convention in 2025

Amazon MGM Studios Joins CinemaCon Main Stage Studio Presentations for the First Time; Sony Pictures Returns to the Colosseum

(LOS ANGELES – December 12, 2024) CinemaCon®, the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United), today announced that all of the major Hollywood studios will be on hand to showcase their upcoming theatrical slates when cinema owners gather next year at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from March 31– April 3. Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures/Focus Features, The Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures will all preview their upcoming theatrical releases, while for the first time, Amazon MGM Studios will join the CinemaCon main stage studio presentations at The Colosseum of Caesars Palace, with additional programming to be announced.

“We are thrilled and honored to welcome back all of our studio partners, with the addition of Amazon MGM Studios to this coming year’s CinemaCon line-up as a clear sign of support of the theatrical moviegoing business,” said Cinema United President and CEO Michael O’Leary. “This powerhouse line-up of the world’s greatest film-making studios speaks directly to the cultural and economic power of the cinema. Our friends in the studios know that movie fans want to see the magic they make on the big screen, and they also know that movies that start their journey in the theatre are more successful than those that do not. We applaud their commitment to theatrical exhibition and look forward to an amazing week seeing all the great stories they are bringing to movie fans in the year ahead.”

“We are grateful for the continued support from the studios, filmmakers and stars, vendors and of course our Cinema United members, the theatre owners,” says CinemaCon Managing Director Mitch Neuhauser. “We’ve got some exciting surprises and changes in store for next year’s CinemaCon and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Las Vegas.”

Registration is now live at www.cinemacon.com; CinemaCon 2025 Press Applications are now open and currently available at CinemaCon Media Accreditation.

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.

December 10, 2024

The Cinema Foundation Announces “@ The Movies” Campaign

Year-Round Events and Quarterly Activations to Promote Moviegoing in 2025

LOS ANGELES – December 10, 2024 – On the heels of a record-breaking Thanksgiving at the box office, The Cinema Foundation, the non-profit organization from the National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United), today announced an exciting series of year-round events to promote the moviegoing experience through 2025. Titled “@ The Movies,” the campaign is designed to resonate with a wide range of moviegoers and will commence with National Popcorn Day on January 19, 2025. Movie theatres across the country will offer unique promotions for each event.

As part of the campaign, which is presented by Fandango, The Cinema Foundation will work with theatres across the country to come up with a dynamic and engaging program of activities and events tied to the year-round series. Building on the success of previous events like National Cinema Day, these expanded events will include quarterly targeted campaigns, including a “Sneak Peek Saturday,” timed to CinemaCon, the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition hosted by Cinema United.

“The Cinema Foundation is committed to this year-long campaign by offering exhibitors opportunities to engage with their communities in fun and exciting ways,” says Bryan Braunlich, Executive Director of The Cinema Foundation. “This is the result of months of hard work and collaboration among our industry partners, and we cannot wait to invite moviegoers across the country to participate in what will be continued enjoyment at the movies.”

The Cinema Foundation’s four events, starting in 2025, are as follows:

Q1 2025: National Popcorn Day (January 19)
Q2 2025: Sneak Peek Saturday–an exclusive look at upcoming summer and holiday films with behind-the-scenes cinematic content and sneak peeks following CinemaCon 2025, shown in theaters nationwide for the first time. (April 19)
Q3 2025: Date Night @ The Movies (August 15)
Q4 2025: Family Day @ The Movies (November 9)

“Cinemas are an indispensable part of our culture. These celebrations emphasize the power of moviegoing to bring us all together to share and create long-lasting memories with our friends, families, and community,” says Mike Bowers, Chair of The Cinema Foundation.

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.

Since March 2022, the Cinema Foundation’s mission has been dedicated to supporting and impacting the health of the cinema sector both in the short term and for years to come, while continuously expanding its contributions to the magic of moviegoing. The Cinema Foundation builds on Cinema United/National Association of Theatre Owners’ mission and relationships and expands Cinema United’s impact in ways that help individual employees, companies and the industry as a whole. For more info, visit www.thecinemafoundation.org.

ABOUT Cinema United

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December 4, 2024

Cinemark’s Sean Gamble To Receive 2025 Cinema United Marquee Award at CinemaCon

Annual Convention to Take Place March 31- April 3 in Las Vegas

WASHINGTON D.C. (December 4, 2024) – The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) announced today it will honor Sean Gamble, President and CEO of Cinemark, with the 2025 Cinema United Marquee Award during next year’s CinemaCon, the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition hosted by Cinema United. Gamble is being recognized by Cinema United for his unwavering dedication, commitment, and service to the motion picture theatre industry. He will receive the industry’s highest tribute as part of CinemaCon’s “State of the Industry” program on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. CinemaCon will be held March 31-April 3, 2025, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Cinema United President and CEO Michael O’Leary commented on the news saying: “Sean is the perfect choice for the Cinema United Marquee Award. He is a pro-business, pro-consumer leader and is highly respected across the entire industry for his incredible business acumen, with a deep understanding of studio and exhibitor relations. Sean is always looking to the future, and in working with his amazing team at Cinemark, is driving the next generation of theatrical innovation. This award recognizes that leadership and his commitment to making movie theatres the premier entertainment experience for generations to come.”

Gamble said: “I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 Cinema United Marquee Award. This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our entire Cinemark team, both past and present. Together, we have embraced innovation, enhanced the moviegoing experience, and positioned our company for growth and success while navigating unprecedented challenges over the past few years. I am grateful to Cinema United for this prestigious award and remain confident that through our collaborative industry efforts cinemas will remain a preferred destination for premium out-of-home entertainment, bringing people together and enriching communities.”

Having served as President and CEO of Cinemark since January 2022, Gamble has provided steady leadership throughout multiple major company and industry developments, including the closure and reopening of Cinemark’s entire theatre circuit during the COVID pandemic, the evolution of the theatrical window, and a reduced volume of film releases caused by the pandemic and strike-induced production stoppages. Additionally, he has been a key driver of and contributor to the advancement of Cinemark’s global business operations, including the conversion to reclined seating, the expansion of premium technologies and food & beverage offerings, the ongoing enhancement of marketing and programming capabilities to increase moviegoing and loyalty, the introduction of the first U.S. exhibitor-owned monthly subscription program, and optimizing operating practices and workforce management processes, to name a few.

As an active member of Cinema United, Gamble is a well-known advocate of the theatrical experience by fostering and supporting strong relationships with historical and emerging studio partners to maximize box office for traditional and alternative content releases.

Prior to being named CEO, Gamble held multiple leadership roles of increasing responsibility within Cinemark, including CFO from 2014 to 2021, CFO and COO from 2018 to 2021, and President in 2021. Prior to joining Cinemark, he worked for the Comcast Corporation as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Universal Pictures within NBCUniversal from February 2009 to April 2014. He joined Comcast after 15 years at the General Electric Company where he held multiple senior leadership positions, including CFO of GE Oil & Gas’ equipment business based in Florence, Italy, from May 2007 to January 2009. Gamble is a Six Sigma Black Belt and avid champion of Cinemark’s continuous improvement programs, encouraging all team members to pursue strategic streamlining and business process improvements across the organization. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife and three daughters.

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. 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.

About Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) provides extraordinary out-of-home entertainment experiences as one of the largest and most influential theatrical exhibition companies in the world. Based in Plano, Texas, Cinemark makes every day cinematic for moviegoers across nearly 500 theatres and more than 5,500 screens, operating in 42 states in the U.S. (306 theatres; 4,282 screens) and 13 South and Central American countries (193 theatres; 1,398 screens). Cinemark offers guests superior sight and sound technology, including Barco laser projection and Cinemark XD, the world’s No. 1 exhibitor-branded premium large format; industry-leading penetration of upscale amenities such as expanded food and beverage offerings, Luxury Lounger recliners and D-BOX motion seats; top-notch guest service; and award-winning loyalty programs such as Cinemark Movie Club. All of this creates an immersive environment for a shared, entertaining escape, underscoring that there is no place more cinematic than Cinemark. For more information, visit https://ir.cinemark.com.

October 21, 2024

National Association of Theatre Owners Appoints Andrew Stewart As Chief Communications Officer

Photo by Jonny B. Wooten

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 21, 2024 – The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) announced today it has named seasoned communications professional, strategist and former award-winning journalist Andrew Stewart as Chief Communications Officer. In this role, Stewart will lead all efforts for the association’s communications and media relations strategy, continuing to unite and promote the cinema industry as the leading out-of-home experience for current and future generations.

As a key member of Cinema United’s leadership team, based in Los Angeles and reporting directly to President & CEO Michael O’Leary, Stewart will lead a comprehensive and aggressive communications strategy to raise awareness of exhibition’s critical role in the entertainment industry’s success and help map its innovative future, such as promoting the results of exhibition’s recent $2.2 billion commitment to modernize and upgrade theatres of all sizes over the next three years. An immediate priority for Stewart will involve CinemaCon, Cinema United’s cornerstone annual event and the world’s premier exhibition convention held at Caesars Palace each spring, to amplify its impact and increase visibility with members, key stakeholders from across the industry, the media, and the general public. He will also work in close partnership with the Cinema Foundation on efforts to promote moviegoing.

“We were so impressed with Andrew’s drive and strategic know-how in navigating today’s ever-evolving media landscape,” O’Leary said. “Andrew will be invaluable to ensuring that exhibition is a part of the on-going conversation about the future of filmed entertainment. Not to mention, it’s clear he has a deep passion for going to the theatre, with a desire to see the business of moviegoing not only succeed, but innovate and grow.”

“For me, storytelling is at the heart of communications, so the opportunity to join a venerable organization such as Cinema United, to tell their story on behalf of the exhibition community, is nothing short of perfect,” Stewart said. “I couldn’t be more excited to roll up my sleeves and roll back the curtain in telling this next chapter in the theatrical exhibition story.”

Most recently, Stewart served as Vice President at 42West, one of the leading entertainment PR agencies, where he led the Los Angeles-based team for the company’s Strategic Communications Division, working on a wide range of clientele across industries, including entertainment, gaming, technology, social impact, as well as crisis communications and issues management. Prior to that, he served in various communications roles for Participant and IMAX Corporation. During his time at Participant, he worked on campaigns for such box office hits as “Wonder,” “The Post,” “RBG” and “Green Book,” while at IMAX, he was part of the team for such record-setting IMAX releases as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Jurassic World,” the “Fast and Furious” franchise, among others. Stewart began his career as an entertainment journalist for Variety, where he reported on box office, film distribution, digital and on-demand platforms, as well as independent film and theatrical exhibition. As a journalist, he has been honored multiple times by the Southern California Journalism Awards. Prior to being a Variety film reporter, Stewart worked as an online editor for the LA-based trade publication. Stewart comes from the Midwest, where he received bachelor degrees in both journalism (news-editorial) and film studies from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

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ABOUT Cinema United

The National Association of Theatre Owners is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 34,000 additional screens in 89 countries worldwide. For more info, visit www.theatreowners.org.

September 24, 2024

Jason Reitman Named Newest Member of National Association of Theatre Owners By Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary and Cinema United Chair Bob Bagby at the 2024 Fall Summit

LOS ANGELES (September 24, 2024) — On Monday night, director and Village Theater co-owner Jason Reitman was named the newest member of Cinema United/National Association of Theatre Owners during the opening night festivities of the trade organization’s Fall Summit. The members-only event brought together more than 325 cinema leaders from around the world, representing hundreds of exhibitors from the largest theater chains to independent theaters, arthouses and drive-ins.

At the Sony Studios opening night presentation on the lot, cinema owners were treated to an exclusive screening of Reitman’s upcoming Sony Pictures release, “Saturday Night”, introduced by Sony Pictures Releasing President Adrian Smith, Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary and Cinema United Chair Bob Bagby. Before the screening, Reitman was named the latest member of Cinema United and Cinema United’s ITOC/Independent Theater Owners Coalition.

“One of the great things about the theatrical industry is that this is a passionate industry full of passionate people,” said O’Leary in presenting Reitman with his membership. “In a lot of places, the theater is the heartbeat of communities across the United States, in Canada and around the world. And nowhere is that more evident than in independent cinema. As the owner of a one-screen theater, you are newest member of our Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC) and you will be a great addition to both Cinema United and to ITOC.”

“It’s a genuine honor to be part of this organization,” said Reitman. “My father [director Ivan Reitman] loved movie theaters, and cinema was our church. When I was a kid, my father came home one day with a trophy that said Cinema United on it. Many decades later we would make a GHOSTBUSTERS movie together, and we watched that movie together for the first time with an audience at [Cinema United’s convention] CinemaCon. And we went up to Vegas, sat down with so many people and the movie killed. You gave my father and I an extraordinary moment together that evening. I’m sure he’s watching this moment right now, and he’s really proud.”

“I applaud the money you are re-investing into your movie theaters,” continued Reitman. “It’s fantastic. As you think about what you are doing with your theaters, think not only about the picture, think not only about the sound. Think also about the cultural hub that you are. That’s what we’re doing with the Village. It’s not just a place to go see a movie. We want to build a community hub. I’m so proud to be a member of this organization and thank you for having me.”

Jason Reitman is the latest member of the creative community to become a theater owner. Actor Patrick Wilson co-owns The Playhouse in New Canaan, CT and director Richard Linklater is the longtime co-founder of the Austin Film Society Cinema, and both are Cinema United members. Other directors who own hometown movie theatres include Kevin Smith (SModCastle Cinemas, Atlantic Highlands, NJ), and Quentin Tarantino (New Beverly, Vista Theatre, Los Angeles).

September 19, 2024

Theatre Owners To Invest More Than $2.2 Billion In The Cinematic Experience

As the box office surges, the exhibition industry confidently invests in the future

LOS ANGELES, CA – September 19, 2024 – Theatre owners across the United States and Canada today reaffirmed their commitment to providing moviegoers with the memorable entertainment experiences they expect and deserve. The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United), which represents theatre owners around the world, announced that the eight largest theatre chains in the United States and Canada, representing over 21,000 screens and 67% of the box office, will invest more than $2.2 billion to modernize and upgrade theatres of all sizes over the next three years. Since the inception of exhibition over a century ago, reinvesting in theatres has been a hallmark of the industry. Today’s announcement signals a continuation of that legacy that will benefit moviegoers in communities everywhere.

“There is no question that movie fans of all ages love heading to the local theatre to see great movies on the big screen. But the competition for consumers’ hard-earned dollars is fiercer than ever,” said Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary. “Going to the theatre is an unparalleled entertainment experience, and exhibitors are dedicated to making every visit to their theatres memorable. This investment reflects that commitment in a tangible way that every moviegoer will see and enjoy.”

Cinema United projects that the funds will be used on an array of projects to modernize and improve theatres of all sizes. These updates include adding the latest laser projection technology and immersive sound systems, installing more comfortable seating, enhancing food and beverage offerings, creating family entertainment options such as arcades and bowling, and investing in core site elements like state-of-the-art air conditioning, lighting, signage and carpeting.

“Today’s consumers rightly demand the best possible experience when they visit our theatres. Operating a theatre today is a capital-intensive operation,” said Cinema United Executive Board Chair and CEO of B&B Theatres, Bob Bagby. “This investment of resources is the next step in our industry’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that going to the theatre remains a unique and special experience for generations to come.”

The investment projections above came from a range of Cinema United members that included national and regional chains. Movie theatres are cornerstones in their local communities, providing first jobs, hosting first dates, offering affordable and accessible entertainment, and attracting consumers to retail and entertainment centers. The eight companies that reported to Cinema United represent over 1,600 site locations and cover all 50 states and Canada: AMC Entertainment Inc., Regal Cinemas, Cinemark USA, Inc., Cineplex, Marcus Theatres Corp., B&B Theatres, Harkins Theatres, and Santikos Entertainment.

July 22, 2024

Harkins Theatres President & CEO Mike Bowers Appointed New Chair of The Cinema Foundation

The National Association of Theatre Owners/Cinema United has announced that Mike Bowers, President & CEO of Harkins Theatres, has been appointed as the new chair of its non-profit organization, The Cinema Foundation. Bowers takes over from Tim Handren, who recently retired as CEO of Santikos Theatres. Tori A. Baker, the CEO and President of the Salt Lake Film Society, will continue to lead as the Vice Chair of The Cinema Foundation.

With nearly 40 years in the theatre industry, Bowers has introduced groundbreaking innovations to the moviegoing experience and has led Harkins Theatres through significant growth and expansion from a local operator with six locations to the 5^th highest grossing exhibitor in the United States and the highest performing company per location. In addition to his new role as the chair of The Cinema Foundation, Bowers is the Vice Chair of the Cinema United Executive Board, a member of The Greater Phoenix Leadership Council, on the committee for CEO’s Against Cancer for the American Cancer Society, a frequent consultant for the theatrical entertainment industry and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

“I’m thrilled to join the team behind The Cinema Foundation led by Bryan Braunlich with the goal of strengthening the cinema industry and engaging moviegoing audiences around the country,” says Bowers. “It’s a true honor to serve as the chair of this foundation for a great industry.”

“Mike is one of our most strategic, dedicated and passionate ambassadors for the cinema industry and for the importance of movie theatres as cornerstones serving our communities” says Bryan Braunlich, Executive Director of The Cinema Foundation. “We’re fortunate to have him as our chair.”

Since its inception, the Foundation has collaborated with Cinema United members, studios, vendors, partners and creatives to organize industry promotional events like National Cinema Day, National Popcorn Day and other programs bringing millions of film fans to theaters in overwhelming numbers.

April 9, 2024

National Association of Theatre Owners Celebrates Dedicated Community Leaders with “Behind the Screens” Series, Legacy Program

CINEMACON/LAS VEGAS – April 9, 2024 – The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) launched its first-ever digital video series, Behind the Screens: The Faces of Exhibition, today at CinemaCon, the world’s largest exhibition convention held at Caesars Palace attracting nearly 6,000 attendees. The series tells the stories of dedicated movie theatre leaders across the country, representing major chains with thousands of screens to independents with only one screen.

“We are excited to premiere Behind the Screens at CinemaCon to showcase the talented and passionate people that make exhibition special.” said Michael O’Leary, Cinema United’s President & CEO.

“The theatrical experience would not be what it is without their dedication and creativity. We look forward to sharing more member stories in the years ahead.”

The enterprising exhibition leaders featured in the videos are:

Mayte Alquicira, Loyalty Manager, Cinépolis USA, based in Dallas: devoted to creating great experiences for a wide variety of moviegoers with unique loyalty offerings.

David Haywood, SVP Food & Beverage, Cinemark, headquartered in Plano, Texas: pairing concessions with film to create new moviegoing memories.

J.D. Loeks, CEO, Studio C/Celebration Cinema, Grand Rapids, Michigan: building a multipex and piazza as the anchor of a revitalized downtown entertainment hub.

Lauren McChesney & Matt McClanahan, Co-owners, Shankweiler’s Drive-In, Lehigh, PA: pioneering couple reviving America’s oldest continually operating community drive-in theater.

Francisco Schlotterbeck, CEO, Maya Cinemas: a California/Nevada chain bringing a premium movie experience to family-oriented underserved communities.

Emelyn Stuart, Stuart Cinema and Café, Brooklyn: founder of an innovative neighborhood cornerstone serving under-represented communities and the first Black Latina to own a movie theatre in New York City.

Cinema United is also launching a special program celebrating the longevity of its membership at CinemaCon this year. Through its Legacy Program, Cinema United is honoring movie theatre companies that have been in business for 50, 75, and 100 years. The numbers are impressive: 69 companies have been in business for 50 years, 89 companies for 75 years, and 56 companies for over a century.

“The future of the exhibition industry is bright,” added O’Leary. “A huge reason why: it’s the people in this industry who never stop innovating and creating the experiences that movie fans around the world love. We are excited to share the stories of just a few of these amazing individuals at CinemaCon this year.”

The video series can be found here at theatreowners.org.

ABOUT Cinema United

April 2, 2024

George Miller to receive CinemaCon® International Career Achievement in Filmmaking Award

WARNER BROS. PICTURES TO RELEASE FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA ON MAY 24, 2024

WASHINGTON D.C. (April 2, 2024) – Academy Award® winner George Miller will receive this year’s CinemaCon® International Career Achievement in Filmmaking Award, Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Miller will be presented with this special honor at the International Day Lunch and Awards ceremony taking place on the afternoon of Monday, April 8, at Caesars Palace.

“George Miller, an archetypal storyteller, has transformed the imaginations of moviegoers worldwide, forever altering the cinematic landscape,” noted Neuhauser. “His filmmaking serves as a testament to his enduring impact and inspiration. We are thrilled to present him with this year’s ‘CinemaCon International Career Achievement in Filmmaking Award.’”

Releasing in theaters nationwide on May 24, 2024, Warner Bros. Pictures’ Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga sees Miller’s much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world he created more than 30 years ago. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, Miller now turns the page again with an all-new original, standalone action adventure that will reveal the origins of the powerhouse character from the multiple Oscar-winning global smash Mad Max: Fury Road. As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of the great Biker Horde led by the Warlord of Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel, presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must withstand many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home. The film also stars Alyla Browne and Tom Burke, and is produced by Miller and his longtime partner, Doug Mitchell, under their Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner.

A native of Australia, George Miller began his professional life as a doctor and detoured into filmmaking as a writer, director and producer. Miller made his feature film directorial debut with the international success Mad Max, which he also co-wrote. The film spawned three successful sequels: Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Mad Max: Fury Road, which brought his iconic post-apocalyptic title character back to the big screen and introduced the world to Furiosa. The film grossed more than $380 million worldwide and garnered six Academy Awards®.

Miller also won the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film, among numerous other accolades, for the smash hit Happy Feet. A five-time Oscar® nominee, Miller garnered nominations for Best Picture and Best Directing for Mad Max: Fury Road; Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay for his work as a producer and writer on the breakout hit Babe; and received his first nomination for Best Original Screenplay for the moving drama Lorenzo’s Oil. Additional film credits include Happy Feet 2, Babe: Pig in the City, The Witches of Eastwick and most recently, Three Thousand Years of Longing, starring Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba, among many others.

Miller serves as a Patron of the Sydney Film Festival and the Australian Film Institute. He served as President of the 69th Cannes Film Festival in 2016. In 1996 he was awarded the Order of Australia for distinguished service to Australian cinema and, in 2009, he was honored with the French Order of Arts and Letters.

On the small screen, Miller directed and executive produced the television miniseries The Dismissal, which broke all rating records in Australia, and he also produced the television projects Bodyline, The Cowra Breakout, Vietnam, The Dirtwater Dynasty, and Bangkok Hilton.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. CinemaCon is also thrilled to have The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies – as its official presenting sponsor.

About Cinema United

Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com

March 28, 2024

Dennis Quaid to Receive Cinema Icon Award

SHOWBIZ DIRECT TO RELEASE REAGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2024

WASHINGTON D.C. (March 28, 2024) – Multi-hyphenate globally beloved actor, musician and philanthropist, Dennis Quaid, will receive this year’s Cinema Icon Award, Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Quaid will be presented with this special honor at the Big Screen Achievement Awards ceremony taking place on the evening of Thursday, April 11, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and hosted by official presenting sponsor The Coca-Cola Company.

“From compelling dramas to exhilarating thrillers, Dennis Quaid’s remarkable career is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor,” noted Neuhauser. “His ability to embody diverse characters has captivated audiences for decades with his dedication to crafting authentic portrayals. He is truly a Hollywood icon, and we are thrilled to present him with this year’s Cinema Icon Award.”

Quaid can be seen later this year starring as Ronald Reagan in ShowBiz Direct’s Reagan, releasing in theaters nationwide on August 30, 2024. Reagan follows the path of a young boy from the dusty roads of Dixon, IL to the glitz of Hollywood, and ultimately to the Presidency of the United States and the world stage. Narrated through the voice of former KGB agent, Viktor Petrovich (Jon Voight), who was assigned to follow Reagan when he first came to the attention of the Soviets while an actor in Hollywood. Reagan also stars Penelope Ann Miller as Nancy Reagan and Kevin Dillon as Warner Bros. Studios founder Jack Warner. The film is produced by Mark Joseph and directed by Sean McNamara.

Dennis Quaid is an Emmy® Award and two-time Golden Globe® Award nominee best known for his roles in such films as The Rookie, The Day After Tomorrow, Traffic, Vantage Point, Frequency, The Parent Trap, Soul Surfer, The Right Stuff, Breaking Away, Midway and many more. Most recently he has starred in the Paramount+ series Bass Reeves, the Max miniseries Full Circle, Netflix’s Blue Miracle, Sony’s The Intruder, Universal’s A Dog’s Journey and A Dog’s Purpose, Roadside Attractions’ I Can Only Imagine and Disney’s animated film Strange World.

On April 12, 2024, Quaid’s production company, Bonniedale, is set to release The Long Game. The film is based on the true story of a group of Mexican-American teen caddies in the 1950s who go on to out-golf the all-white country clubs that rejected them. The Long Game stars Quaid, Jay Hernandez, Cheech Marin, Julian Works, Jaina Lee Ortiz, Brett Cullen, Oscar Nuñez and Paulina Chávez.

Alongside his acting career, Quaid has also established himself as a respected singer-songwriter. His musical journey began when his grandfather bought him his first guitar, and now has hundreds of thousands of miles under his belt as a touring and recording musician. His most recent album, Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners, spent multiple weeks atop Billboard’s Christian/Gospel Albums chart.

Approved press image can be downloaded here.

About CinemaCon

About Cinema United

Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com