Category: Press

Dan Stevens to Receive CinemaCon® Award of Excellence in Acting

STEVENS STARS IN NEON’S CUCKOO RELEASING ON AUGUST 9, 2024

WASHINGTON D.C. (March 27, 2024) – Dan Stevens will receive this year’s CinemaCon® Award of Excellence in Acting, Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of NATO, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Stevens 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.

“Over the course of the next seven weeks, Dan Stevens has three incredibly diverse films set for release with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Abigail, and then Cuckoo. Each will showcase Dan’s talents to a broad range of moviegoers, further enhancing his status as one of our most talented actors working today,” noted Neuhauser. “His dedication to his artistry and his ability to bring complex characters to life with such depth and nuance make him a standout performer. We are honored to recognize his achievements with the ‘CinemaCon Award of Excellence in Acting.’”

Stevens can be seen next month starring in NEON’s Cuckoo, releasing in theaters nationwide on August 9, 2024. Cuckoo stars Hunter Schafer as Gretchen, a reluctant 17-year-old who leaves her American home to live with her father, who has just moved into a resort in the German Alps with his new family. Arriving at their future residence, they are greeted by Mr. König (Stevens), her father’s boss, who takes an inexplicable interest in Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma. Something doesn’t seem right in this tranquil vacation paradise as Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family. Directed by German director Tilman Singer, following his festival sensation, Luz, the film is shot on 35mm.

In addition to Cuckoo, Stevens can be seen in Adam Wingard’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, starring alongside Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry. Produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film is set to release in theaters nationwide on March 29, 2024. He will follow that up with the April 19, 2024 release of Universal Pictures’ Abigail from directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.

Most recently, Stevens lent his voice to the star-studded English dub of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated Golden Globe award-winning and Academy Award nominated film The Boy and the Heron. Additional credits include Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, The Rental, The Call of the Wild, Beauty and the Beast, Marshall, The Man Who Invented Christmas, The Guest, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, I’m Your Man and A Walk Among the Tombstones.

Stevens first drew international attention for his role on the ITV acclaimed series Downton Abbey. His additional credits include the highly acclaimed Marvel series Legion, HBO’s High Maintenance, Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, Starz’s Gaslit, Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales, and Hulu’s animated series Solar Opposites.

In 2004, Stevens began his professional acting career in the touring production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It. He went on to perform on the West End in the acclaimed revival of Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia and in Hay Fever by Noël Coward alongside Peter Bowles and Dame Judi Dench. He made his Broadway debut in 2012 starring opposite Jessica Chastain and David Strathairn in The Heiress.

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 movie-going experience and the cinema industry.

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 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 cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com

Patrick Stickney Wins CinemaCon® 2024 Art Contest for his work “Grand Exterior”

WASHINGTON D.C. (March 18, 2024) – CinemaCon is proud to recognize Patrick Stickney as the winner of the CinemaCon 2024 Art Contest for his work titled “Grand Exterior,” Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of NATO, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

“Stickney’s ‘Grand Exterior’ captures the essence, anticipation, and excitement of not just CinemaCon 2024, but that of moviegoing as a whole,” noted Neuhauser. “Patrick Stickney, via this initiative, represents the dedication and commitment of the global theater workforce in making the experience of going to the movies extra special. Our heartfelt congratulations to Patrick for his exceptional contribution to CinemaCon.”

Patrick Stickney, a General Manager at Classic Cinemas Elk Grove XQ in Elk Grove Village, IL, will receive a free trip to this year’s CinemaCon. His winning artwork will be prominently featured throughout the convention and showcased on t-shirts provided to all attendees. In describing his work, Stickney stated, “The Grand Marquee is what we, as guests, notice first; the warm inviting exterior will welcome anyone to your establishment.”
Sponsored by Mobile Moviegoing, the CinemaCon 2024 Art Contest was open to all creative, artistic and talented motion picture theater employees of companies represented on NATO’s advisory board. Stickney’s entry stood out for its creativity, originality, and thematic alignment with the contest’s goals.

Approved press image of “Grand Exterior” can be downloaded here.

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 movie-going experience and the cinema industry.

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 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 cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com

Joseph Quinn to Receive CinemaCon® Breakthrough Performer of the Year Award

PARAMOUNT PICTURES TO RELEASE A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE ON JUNE 28, 2024

WASHINGTON D.C. and LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (March 14, 2024) – Joseph Quinn will receive this year’s CinemaCon® Breakthrough Performer of the Year Award, Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of NATO, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Quinn 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.

“With two major tentpoles on the horizon in 2024 alone, with A Quiet Place: Day One and Gladiator 2, Joseph Quinn’s star is more on the rise than anyone could have anticipated,” noted Neuhauser. “And, Quinn, who really turned heads with his important role in Stranger Things, is set to become one of The Fantastic Four, it was just announced. Certainly, receiving the 2024 Breakthrough Performer of the Year award from CinemaCon is a most timely and well-deserved accolade.”

Quinn can be seen this summer starring in A Quiet Place: Day One, releasing in theaters nationwide on June 28, 2024. The film is produced by Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller and John Krasinski and executive produced by Allyson Seeger and Vicki Dee Rock. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, who also wrote the screenplay, with a story by John Krasinski and Michael Sarnoski and based on characters created by Bryan Woods & Scott Beck, A Quiet Place: Day One also stars Lupita Nyong’o, Alex Wolff and Djimon Hounsou, as they experience the day the world went quiet.

Born and raised in London, Quinn began his career shortly after graduating from LAMDA when he landed a role on the BBC series Dickensian. He went on to star in BBC’s Howards End and Les Misérables, the Sky Original/HBO series Catherine The Great opposite Dame Helen Mirren. Most recently, Quinn starred as fan favorite Eddie Munson in the mega-hit Netflix series Stranger Things.

On stage, Quinn has performed in Wish List at the Royal Court Theatre, and in the critically acclaimed Mosquitos at the National Theatre alongside Olivia Colman and Olivia Williams.

On the big screen, Quinn starred in the debut feature from acclaimed filmmaker Claire Oakley, Make Up. He will next be seen in the British independent film, Hoard from debut feature director Luna Carmoon. In addition to his starring role in A Quiet Place: Day One, Quinn has also joined the cast of the highly anticipated Gladiator sequel, he will star as Johnny Storm in Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four and will play the lead in Bret Easton Ellis’ horror film Relapse.

Approved press image can be downloaded here.

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 movie-going experience and the cinema industry.

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 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 cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com

NATO Congratulates Oppenheimer Team On Best Picture Academy Award, Seven Total Oscars

“On behalf of movie theatre owners across the country and around the world, congratulations to the entire team behind Oppenheimer on their Academy Award for Best Picture and a total of seven Oscars. The success of this film—both culturally and financially—reinforces that movies belong in theatres first and foremost,” said Michael O’Leary, NATO’s President & CEO. “Oppenheimer dispelled the notion that moviegoer tastes can be easily defined. People from all walks of life experienced this epic film on the big screen, leading to the type of cultural moment that can only happen in a movie theatre.”

Amy Poehler to Receive CinemaCon® Vanguard Award

DISNEY and PIXAR’S INSIDE OUT 2 OPENS ONLY IN THEATERS ON JUNE 14, 2024

WASHINGTON D.C. and LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (February 28, 2024) – Amy Poehler will receive this year’s CinemaCon® Vanguard Award, Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of NATO, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Poehler 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.

“Amy Poehler, in a most distinguished career, has been entertaining people on the big screen for over 20 years”, noted Neuhauser. “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 with each new role. In 2015, we showcased Inside Out for the global exhibition community here at CinemaCon, and now, we can’t wait to see what new ground Amy and her fellow Emotions cover in the eagerly anticipated Inside Out 2. We are honored to present her with this year’s CinemaCon Vanguard Award.”

Poehler will return this summer as the voice of Joy in Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, releasing only in theaters on June 14, 2024. Inside Out 2 sees the return to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety along with a voice cast that includes Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Tony Hale, and Liza Lapira. Inside Out 2 is directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen.

Best known for her starring role in the Emmy-nominated comedy series Parks and Recreation, Poehler began her career studying improv in Chicago, where she eventually co-founded the sketch/improv troupe the Upright Citizens Brigade. She then joined the cast of SNL, where she became the first-ever cast member to receive an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series,” earning this nomination two years in a row. Following her success on SNL, Poehler went on to star as Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation — a role which earned her a Golden Globe Award, an American Comedy Award, a Gracie Award, and six consecutive Emmy nominations, along with two additional Golden Globe nominations and three Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for her work on the show.

Poehler’s film credits include The House, Sisters, Wet Hot American Summer, They Came Together, A.C.O.D., Free Birds, Are You Here, Baby Mama, Blades of Glory, and Mean Girls. In addition to lending her voice to the character of Joy in Inside Out, Poehler can be heard in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Monsters vs. Aliens, Horton Hears a Who!, and Shrek the Third. She also made her directorial debut in the Netflix comedy Wine Country and directed Netflix’s Moxie as well as Amazon’s documentary Lucy & Desi.

She is also the founder of Paper Kite Productions, a full-service entertainment company that produces content for traditional and non-linear platforms. Through Paper Kite, Poehler has produced several projects, including the upcoming film First Time Female Director, Peacock’s Baking It & The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, Amazon’s Harlem, the Award-winning Netflix series Russian Doll, Adult Swim’s Three Busy Debras, Fox’s animated series Duncanville, and NBC’s Making It. In addition, Paper Kite recently launched Paper Kite Podcasts in partnership with Cadence 13 and Audacy.

Outside her film and television work, she released the New York Times Best Seller “Yes Please,” returned to SNL for an Emmy award-winning performance co-hosting alongside Tina Fey, and co-hosted the Golden Globe Awards. She also continues to produce the award-winning online website “Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls” and in the Spring of 2023, kicked off the Restless Leg Tour comedy show with Tina Fey.

Approved press image can be downloaded here.

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 movie-going experience and the cinema industry.

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 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 cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com

Filmmaker Shawn Levy to Receive CinemaCon® Director of the Year Award

MARVEL STUDIOS TO RELEASE DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE ON JULY 26, 2024

WASHINGTON D.C. and LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (February 16, 2024) – Filmmaker Shawn Levy will receive this year’s CinemaCon® Director of the Year Award, Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of NATO, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Levy 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.

“Throughout his impressive career, Shawn Levy never fails to give audiences what they want – the most entertaining, enjoyable and crowd-pleasing films imaginable,” noted Neuhauser. “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. It’s our honor to single Shawn out as our CinemaCon® Director of the Year.”

In Levy’s Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, the “merc with the mouth” is back in action with Deadpool & Wolverine, set to release exclusively in theaters nationwide on July 26, 2024. Directed,cowritten and produced by Levy, Deadpool & Wolverine stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni and Matthew Macfadyen. Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, Levy and Lauren Shuler Donner produce with Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, George Dewey, Simon Kinberg and Jonathon Komack Martin serving as executive producers. Deadpool & Wolverine is written by Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells and Levy.

Born in Montreal, Canada, Shawn Levy began his career studying performing arts at Yale University before receiving an MFA from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. In 2005, he founded 21 Laps Entertainment, a powerhouse that has produced some of the most acclaimed and commercially successful film and television content of its time, amassing over $3.2 billion worldwide at the box office. Most recently, Levy earned DGA and PGA nominations for directing and producing the Golden Globe®-nominated Netflix limited series All The Light We Cannot See, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Levy is also set to direct an upcoming Star Wars film and an international heist comedy starring Ryan Reynolds. Among the array of upcoming 21 Laps projects are the Lionsgate feature film Never Let Go, starring Halle Berry; the Netflix limited series The Perfect Couple, starring Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber; Alexander And The Terrible, No Good Very Bad Road Trip starring Eva Longoria for Disney+ and Netflix’s highly anticipated fifth season of Stranger Things.

In addition to these projects, 21 Laps boasts an impressive roster of films and series, including Academy Award®-nominated Arrival, The Spectacular Now, Cheaper By The Dozen, Shadow and Bone, Last Man Standing, The Boogeyman and Unsolved Mysteries. Among Levy’s directorial achievements are the blockbuster Night At The Museum franchise, Reel Steel, The Internship, Date Night, This Is Where I Leave You, Free Guy and The Adam Project.

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 movie-going experience and the cinema industry.

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 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 cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com

Lupita Nyong’o to receive CinemaCon® Star of the Year Award

PARAMOUNT PICTURES TO RELEASE A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE ON JUNE 28, 2024

WASHINGTON D.C. and LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (February 14, 2024) – Lupita Nyong’o will receive this year’s CinemaCon® Star of the Year Award, Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced today. CinemaCon, the official convention of NATO, will be held April 8-11, 2024, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Nyong’o 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.

“In just over ten years, Lupita Nyong’o has established herself as one of the most talented and respected actors of our time,” noted Neuhauser. “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 engross 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 can be seen this summer starring in A Quiet Place: Day One, releasing in theaters nationwide on June 28, 2024. Produced in association with Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes and Sunday Night Production, the film is executive produced by Allyson Seeger and Vicki Dee Rock, alongside producers Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, and John Krasinski. Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, A Quiet Place: Day One also stars Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, and Djimon Hounsou, as they experience the day the world went quiet.

Kenyan actress, producer and New York Times Bestselling author, Nyong’o made her feature film debut in the Academy Award® winning film 12 Years a Slave for which she received the Academy Award®, the Screen Actors Guild® Award, the Critics’ Choice Award, the Independent Spirit Award and the NAACP Image Award. Additional film credits include Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Us, Little Monsters, Queen of Katwe, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The 355. She served as an executive producer for Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani’s feature debut, Goodbye Julia, the first-ever Sudanese feature to screen at the Cannes Film Festival, which was selected by the country to be its second-ever Academy Awards submission for Best International film.

In addition to a successful career on the big screen, Nyong’o earned a Tony® nomination for her Broadway debut in Eclipsed, won an Emmy® Award for the narration of her New York Times best-selling children’s book Sulwe, and executive produces the family program Super Sema, which is now in its third season. Nyong’o can also be heard narrating Discovery’s docuseries Serengeti, for which she has earned two Emmy® award nominations, and she will host a podcast centered on non-fiction cultural storytelling from the African diaspora.

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 movie-going experience and the cinema industry.

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 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 cinemacon.com.

Media Contact

Heather Lewandoski
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@me.com

NATO Celebrates Oscar Nomination for Ninety-Five Senses Produced By Tori A. Baker

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THEATRE OWNERS CONGRATULATES EXHIBITOR TORI A. BAKER, OSCAR-NOMINATED FOR BEST ANIMATED SHORT  “NINETY-FIVE SENSES”
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 23, 2024 – The National Association of Theatre Owners congratulates independent film exhibitor Tori A. Baker on being nominated for an Oscar this morning in Los Angeles.  Baker was among the nominated producers for Best Animated Short Film for her production of “Ninety-Five Senses,”directed by Utah’s own Jerusha and Jared Hess (“Napoleon Dynamite,” “Nacho Libre,” the upcoming “Minecraft”).
 
Baker is the Vice Chair of The Cinema Foundation and the CEO and President of the non-profit Salt Lake Film Society, with a mission to exhibit, create and preserve cinematic experiences at the Broadway Center Cinemas and the historic 1928 Tower Theatre. Baker is also the founder of the MAST program, a media accelerator studio dedicated to finding and developing up-and-coming animators and filmmakers.
 
“You will not find anyone more passionate about cinema than Tori,” says National Association of Theatre Owners President and CEO Michael O’Leary. “Her excitement for the cinema as a community gathering place is contagious, and it’s an honor to work with her. To see her commitment to filmed entertainment result in an Oscar nomination is truly special and well-deserved. She is a champion of the arts and tireless supporter of the theatrical experience and I know that everyone in exhibition will be cheering her on at the 96th Academy Awards in March.”  
 
“Tori is one of our strongest voices in the independent cinema world,” says Bryan Braunlich, Executive Director of The Cinema Foundation. “Her dedication to the big screen is legendary. We are grateful to Tori for her hard work in helping The Cinema Foundation meet its mission to strengthen the cinema industry and engage moviegoing audiences around the country.”
 
“Congratulations to every single individual involved with ‘Ninety-Five Senses’, including the talented directing team Jerusha and Jared Hess, the incomparable Tim Blake Nelson, fellow producer Miles David Romney and undoubtedly the amazing animators,” says Baker. “When a true community collaboration comes together, brilliant things can happen. We’re thrilled that the Academy continues to recognize the importance of short film in discovering and promoting new and diverse talent to embolden the future of our industry. We will ensure that the theatrical release of ‘Ninety-Five Senses’ garners even more attention for our artists and talents.”

More information on the “Ninety-Five Senses” animators can be found here.

Learn more about the film:

The Cinema Foundation Announces National Popcorn Day,  with Major Discounts on Movie Concessions, Arriving at a Theatre Near You on January 19th

National Popcorn Day Celebrates the Joy of the Favorite Movie Snack with Discounted Pricing at Participating Theatres

LOS ANGELES – January 12, 2024 – The Cinema Foundation, in partnership with Fandango, announced the arrival of National Popcorn Day, coming to a theatre near you on Friday,  January 19th. This beloved date celebrates the joy of snacking America’s favorite concession at theatres with discounted concession prices, unlimited popcorn refills, free popcorn with the purchase of a drink and other special promotions at participating U.S. theatres. To find participating theatres and their individual offers, visit your local movie theatre’s website or app or visit Fandango.  

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. New movies playing in theatres include Mean Girls (Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp), The Beekeeper (Jason Statham), Ava  DuVernay’s Origin (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), Blumhouse’s Night Swim (Wyatt Russell, Kerry  Condon), The Book of Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield), I.S.S. (Ariana DeBose, Chris Messina), the theatrical re-releases of Christopher Nolan’s Golden Globe Award-Winning Oppenheimer,  Pixar’s Soul, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, plus recent holiday releases like  Wonka, The Color Purple, Migration, Hollywood’s top awards season contenders, and so much more.  

“Popcorn at the movies was first introduced 95 years ago, and it’s been an inseparable part of the moviegoing experience ever since,” says Bryan Braunlich, Executive Director of The  Cinema Foundation. “National Popcorn Day will bring together millions of film fans of all ages to  watch new movies on the big screen while enjoying their favorite theatre snacks at discounted  prices.”  

“We are excited to continue to partner with The Cinema Foundation to celebrate National  Popcorn Day in theatres nationwide,” said Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango. “The  moviegoing experience is where people connect, emotions flow freely, and on January 19th fans  can experience the magic of the big screen with their favorite movie snacks in hand at a  discounted price.”  

According to the National Association of Concessionaires: 

• Popcorn is American moviegoers’ favorite snack food. 

• Popcorn represents more than 60% of snack food sales at the nation’s theatres. • 4.5 billion quarts of popcorn are consumed at U.S. movie theatres and other live venues every year. 

According to a Fandango survey of more than 6,000 moviegoers: 

• 94% purchased concessions during their trips to theatres. 

• 88% said they order popcorn regularly.

Popcorn historian Andrew F. Smith, author of “Popped Culture,” estimates that popcorn was introduced at movie theatres in 1929 around the advent of talking pictures.  

For more details, visit 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 promoting and enhancing the cinema exhibition industry through activities such as training and education,  career development, diversity, and inclusion, moviegoing promotion, and data and research efforts. 

Since March 2022, the Cinema Foundation’s mission has been dedicated to shaping the future of the great collective experience of moviegoing and the cinema industry. It works to support and impact 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 the 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 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 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. 

### 

CONTACT 

Phil Contrino 
Director of Media & Research, NATO 
610-844-2459 
prc@natodc.com 

Harry Medved 
Media Relations, NATO/The Cinema Foundation 
310-200-1201 
harry@thecinemafoundation.org

NATO Applauds 2023 National Film Registry Selections

25 Films Chosen for Recognition and Preservation by the Library of Congress 

WASHINGTON, DC – December 13, 2023 – The National Association of Theatre Owners  (NATO) today applauded the induction of 25 films into the National Film Registry, overseen by the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden. Created by Congress, the National Film Registry highlights America’s movie heritage, and the need to preserve film for future generations.  

Each year, films are selected based on their cultural, historic and/or aesthetic and artistic importance, and must be at least ten years old. This year’s selection of 25 films brings the number of titles in the registry to 875 and are among the 2 million moving images in the  Library’s collections. NATO is represented on the Library’s National Film Preservation Board by  Joseph Masher, NATO Board Member and CEO of New York’s BTM Cinemas, and Michael  O’Leary, NATO President & CEO. 

“Preserving films is like safeguarding the memories of our cultural evolution,” said  Masher. “This registry ensures that the art of storytelling through cinema endures for  generations to come.” 

“For more than a century, movies have shaped the American experience, with cinemas playing a vital role in our communities and cultural landscape,” said O’Leary. “On behalf of theatre  owners the world over, we applaud the Library’s important work in recognizing and preserving  these special works so that moviegoers can continue to discover classic films on the big  screen.” 

This year’s newly announced National Film Registry list showcases a diverse collection of films dating back more than 100 years ago. 

Films Selected for the 2023 National Film Registry 

(chronological order) 

• A Movie Trip Through Filmland (1921) 

• Dinner at Eight (1933) 

• Bohulano Family Film Collection (1950s-1970s) 

• Helen Keller: In Her Story (1954) 

• Lady and the Tramp (1955)

• Edge of the City (1957) 

• We’re Alive (1974) 

• Cruisin’ J-Town (1975) 

• ¡Alambrista! (1977) 

• Passing Through (1977) 

• Fame (1980) 

• Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) 

• The Lighted Field (1987) 

• Matewan (1987) 

• Home Alone (1990) 

• Queen of Diamonds (1991) 

• Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) 

• The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) 

• The Wedding Banquet (1993) 

• Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision (1994) 

• Apollo 13 (1995) 

• Bamboozled (2000) 

• Love & Basketball (2000) 

• 12 Years a Slave (2013) 

• 20 Feet from Stardom (2013) 

Public Nominations for the National Film Registry 

In addition to recommendations made by the Library’s National Film Preservation Board, the public submitted 6,875 titles for consideration this year. Several titles selected this year drew  significant support, including “Home Alone” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” The public can submit nominations throughout the year on the Library of Congress’ website. Nominations for next year’s list will be accepted until Aug. 15, 2024. To nominate for the 2024 Registry,  visit www.loc.gov/film.

You can read more about the films selected in the official announcement and the Library of  Congress on social media platforms at @librarycongress. 

ABOUT NATO 

The National Association of Theatre Owners is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 34,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 28,000  additional screens in 88 countries worldwide. For more info, visit www.natoonline.org.  

CONTACT 

Phil Contrino 
Director of Media & Research, NATO 
610-844-2459 

Harry Medved 
Media Relations Advisor, NATO 
310-200-1201