“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 National Association of Theatre Owners. “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 (NATO). 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 NATO
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) 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. 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.
NATO’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 NATO 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 NATO 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. NATO appreciates the opportunity to attend the UDITOA convention every year and reinforce the collaborative relationship between NATO and UDITOA, highlighting the importance of unity and shared knowledge in advancing the cinema exhibition industry.
From left to right: NATO’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.
NATO’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 NATO’s Amanda Martin, Cranford Downtown Director Caren Demyen and New Jersey Motion Picture & TV Commission Executive Director Jon Crowley.
“2024 was a standout year at the global box office with fans of all ages flocking to theatres to see compelling and entertaining movies of all stripes,” said Michael O’Leary, President & CEO of NATO. “This morning, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized the amazing achievements in motion pictures with the announcement of the Oscar nominations. As they have done for almost 100 years, the Academy celebrates the unapparelled majesty of movies on the big screen. Congratulations to everyone that was nominated, the Oscars are sure to be, once again, a magical night for movies fans around the globe.”
I wanted to take a moment to celebrate another enormously successful National Popcorn Day for cinemas across North America! Social media lit up on Sunday, January 19th with a wide range of creative promotions tailored to the most popular movie snack there is. Among all of the exhibitors’ creative campaigns, here are select highlights:
Cinemark’s Bring Your Own Bucket Campaign spurred moviegoers to come up with an eclectic mix of vessels: from kitchen pots to duffle bags to trick-or-treat buckets.
Premiere Cinemas brought an element of chance to National Popcorn Day by giving customers Scratch & Win tickets that offered prizes ranging from one bag of popcorn to Popcorn for a Year.
Fandango Celebrates National Popcorn Day as Presenting Sponsor
The Cinema Foundation will kick off its new “@ The Movies” campaign with National Popcorn Day on Sunday, January 19th. National Popcorn Day is a nationwide celebration of America’s favorite movie snack, that will feature discounted prices, unlimited popcorn refills, free popcorn with the purchase of a ticket or drink and other unique promotions at participating U.S. theatres. Fandango, the nation’s leading online ticketing service, has joined the campaign for another year as its presenting sponsor. Coca-Cola has joined as a contributing partner.
“The Cinema Foundation is proud to announce our year-long celebration of cinema, commencing with National Popcorn Day on Sunday, January 19,” says Bryan Braunlich, Executive Director of The Cinema Foundation. “This Sunday is the perfect day to catch up on all the awards contenders, along with a slate of other entertaining titles, to celebrate the excitement of going to the movies with America’s favorite moviegoing snack.”
“We are thrilled to join The Cinema Foundation for another year to celebrate National Popcorn Day in theatres nationwide on January 19th,” said Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango. “The theatrical experience is unmatched, and we love elevating audiences’ moviegoing experience by helping them enjoy their favorite movie snacks at a discounted price while watching incredible stories unfold on the big screen.”
More than 30,000 screens across the country will participate in the one-day event featuring discounts on popcorn, and other concessions only in theatres. To find participating theatres and their individual offers, visit AtTheMovies.co, your local movie theatre’s website or app or visit Fandango.
As part of its year-long “@ the Movies” campaign, the Cinema Foundation’s quarterly events to promote moviegoing include:
● Q1 2025: National Popcorn Day (January 19)
● Q2 2025: Sneak Peek Saturday–an exclusive look at upcoming films with behind-the-scenes cinematic content and sneak peeks following CinemaCon 2025. (April 19)
● Q3 2025: Date Night @ The Movies (August 15)
● Q4 2025: Family Day @ The Movies (November 9)
According to a Fandango study of more than 6,000 Moviegoers, 96% of general ticket buyers said they purchased concessions during their trip to the movies with Popcorn being one of the most popular items and 61% of participants saying they like to order a variety of concessions.
For more details on participating theatres and their individual offers, visit AtTheMovies.co, your local theatre site or app or Fandango.
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 NATO/National Association of Theatre Owners’ mission and relationships and expands NATO’s impact in ways that help individual employees, companies and the industry as a whole. For more info, visit www.thecinemafoundation.org.
ABOUT NATO
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 46,000 screens total across 82 countries. 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 atwww.cinemacon.com.
ABOUT FANDANGO
Fandango digital network provides unrivaled, instant access to all things movies and TV, enhancing fan enjoyment across the entire entertainment journey. The portfolio serves more than 50 million unique visitors per month and includes leading online movie ticketer, Fandango, which tickets for 31,000 U.S. movie screens; world-renowned entertainment review site, Rotten Tomatoes; and Fandango at Home (previously Vudu), the on-demand streaming service offering the industry’s best selection of 4K UHD titles and more than 250,000 new release and catalogue movies and next day TV shows.
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