Jeri Jacquin

Returning to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is NATO, the National Association of Theater Owners, who come to see what is going to excite movie goers. The studios bring their upcoming and slated films for theater owners (and welcomed press), as well as what is coming in technology and in concessions of the trade show floor.

The after brings Walter Hickey, Pulitzer Prize-winning Author who takes on the subject of the “science of exactly what goes on when people go to the cinema, and how movies have a significant and measurable effect on people who watch them”. I’m sure all movie-goers, at one time or another, have had significant effects by a movie they have seen. To this day I can admit I have watched NOW VOYAGER, IMITATION OF LIFE, up to and including ARRIVAL and INTERSTELLAR over 100 times. Why? Because the stories move and have continually moved me.

Michael O’Leary, President & CEO NATO, is the moderator of a panel with Brock Bagby, President of B&B Theaters, Lisa Bunnell, President, Distribution, Focus Features, Elissa Federoff, President, Distribution, NEON and Rebecca Stein, VP, National Amusements. The discussion is the success of such films as ANATOMY OF A FALL, GODZILLA MINUS ONE and THE HOLDOVERS that are considered mid-budget films. The interest is allowing such films to have theater screenings as well and work together to make that happen.

Starting off the week with a bang, Universal Pictures screens THE FALL GUY. The film stars Ryan Gosling as a stuntman who is brought back into it all after an accident because the ex, Emily Blunt, is missing! The film is inspired by The Fall Guy, A 1980s Television series that starred Lee Majors, Heather Thomas and Douglas Barr.

Other important happenings is the Big Screen Achievement Awards to be held on Thursday night at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company. Lupita Nyong’o is to receive the CinemaCon Star of the Year Award. Mitch Neuhauser says of the actress, “In just over ten years, Lupita Nyong’o has established herself as one of the most talented and respected actors of our time. From her Oscar winning role in 12 YEARS A SLAVE to her most chilling and determined performance in US, she never fails to surprise, captivate and engrossing us with each new role she undertakes. Lupita Nyong’o is recognized around the world for being a star of the highest magnitude, and CinemaCon and the global exhibition community are honored to recognize her as its 2024 Star of the Year”. Nyong’o will next be seen this summer in A QUIET PLACE: Day One.

Director of the Year Award will be going to Filmmaker Shawn Levy. Again Neuhauser says of the filmmaker, “Throughout his impressive career, Shawn Levy never fails to give audiences what they want – the most entertaining, enjoyable and crowd-pleasing films imaginable. As one of our most talented and leading filmmakers working today, we can’t wait to see what he brings to our theaters this summer with the eagerly anticipated DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE”. This is definitely one I am looking forward to seeing myself as Deadpool happens to be my hero – in a weird, twisted and a bit psychotic way. George Miller will receive the CinemaCon International Career Achievement in Filmmaking Award. His film FURIOSA: A Mad Max Saga will be hitting theatres soon but Miller made his directorial debut co-writing MAD MAX where we all got our first look at Mel Gibson. Neuhauser says of Miller, “He is an archetypal storyteller, transforming the imaginations of moviegoers worldwide, forever altering the cinematic landscape. His filmmaking serves as a testament to his enduring impact and inspiration.” CinemaCon will also honor Jon M. Chu for “representing diverse voices and perspectives” in his filmmaking. He is the director of Universal Pictures upcoming film WICKED.

It should come as no surprise that the CinemaCon Vanguard Award would go to one of the most critically acclaimed funny ladies of our time. “Amy Poehler, in a most distinguished career, has been entertaining people on the big screen or over 20 years. She is one of the most versatile, recognizable, and talented performers of our generation who simply brings joy, happiness, and a smile to our faces in each new role”. Of course Joy brought us joy in 2015 with the film INSIDE OUT which I saw at CinemaCon so you can imagine me and my families excitement at Poehler’s return with more Joy in INSIDE OUT 2.

Receiving the CinemaCon Breakthrough Performer of the Year Award will be going to Joseph Quinn who will be seen on the screen soon with his roles in A QUIET PLACE: Day One and the highly anticipated GLADIATOR 2. “With two major tentpoles on the horizon in 2024,” says Neuhauser, “Joseph Quinn’s star is more on the rise than anyone could have anticipated and is set to become one of THE FANTASTIC FOUR. The 2024 Breakthrough Performer of the Year award is a most timely and well-deserved accolade”. Ariana Greenblatt is to receive CinemaCon’s Riding Star of 2024 Award. “To say that her star is on the rise is a true understatement. Next up is the eagerly anticipated BORDERLANDS that will undoubtedly continue this young star’s trajectory towards stardom”, says Neuhauser.

This next award goes to an actor who I certainly adored in his role of Matthew in the hit series Downton Abbey but he has moved on to bigger things, literally. Dan Stevens is to receive the CinemaCon Award of Excellence in Acting. This year alone his upcoming films of GODZILLA x KONG: The New Empire, and the horrors film ABIGAIL and CUCKOO (which I am down for!). Neuhauser says, “Each will showcase Dan’s talents to a wide range of moviegoers, further enhancing his status as one of our most talent actors working today. We are honored to recognize his achievements with the CinemaCon Award of Excellence in Acting.” Is it okay to say that I still adore him as Matthew? 

Actor Dennis Quaid would receive the Cinema Icon Award at CinemaCon this year. “From compelling dramas to exhilarating thrillers, Dennis Quaid’s remarkable career is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. His ability to embody diverse characters has captivated audiences for decades with his dedication to crafting authentic portrayals. He is truly a Hollywood icon,” says Neuhauser and you will get no argument from me. He truly is an amazing actor that has made us laugh, cry, think and jaw drop at some of his performances. One of my all-time favorites is the 2000 film FREQUENCY which also stars Jim Caviezel. If that film doesn’t thrill, try the 1987 film SUSPECT which is where I first experienced Quaid.

Actress Geena Davis is no stranger to CinemaCon and this year she will receive the VIOLA DAVIS TRAILBLAZER AWARD. “Geena Davis exemplifies the true essence of a trailblazer in Hollywood for not only her remarkable film career, but also in her tireless advocacy championing underrepresented voices in film and other forms of media.” Davis is the Founder and Chair for the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

As always, CinemaCon brings it all and holds nothing back in the way of entertainment information and there is nothing wrong with it being just so much fun as well. Tomorrow begins with the State of the Industry address, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures and all of it to kick off a celebration of the summer of 2024!

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