Ellis Jacob to Receive Legend of Cinema Award at CinemaCon 2026

The global exhibition community will honor one of its most respected and influential leaders this spring as Ellis Jacob, President and CEO of Cineplex, will receive the prestigious Legend of Cinema Award at CinemaCon 2026.

The announcement was made by Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United, confirming that Jacob will be recognized during opening night ceremonies at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. With the distinction, Jacob becomes only the second recipient of the award, joining legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese in receiving what is widely considered the organization’s highest honor.

“Ellis has been a leader at the forefront of global exhibition for decades,” said O’Leary. “He has created an entertainment empire that cannot be matched and has been a tireless advocate on behalf of theatre owners around the world. He is a beloved figure who fully embodies the passion of our industry, and we are honored to be able to show our heartfelt appreciation in this way.”

Jacob’s career in theatrical exhibition spans nearly four decades. Since first entering the business in 1987, he has played a defining role in shaping the modern moviegoing experience in Canada and beyond. He has served as President and CEO of Cineplex since October 2003 and is set to retire later this year.

Under his leadership, Cineplex evolved well beyond its roots as a traditional theatre circuit. With more than a century of history in Canada, the company has grown into the fourth-largest cinema chain in North America while expanding into a diversified entertainment, amusement, and media enterprise serving audiences of all ages.

Before leading Cineplex, Jacob co-founded Galaxy Entertainment Inc. in 1999 and served as its President and CEO, establishing a reputation for disciplined growth, innovation, and long-term strategic thinking in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Jacob has remained deeply engaged in industry leadership. He served as Chair of Cinema United’s Executive Board from 2018 to 2020 and was presented with the CinemaCon Marque Award in 2022, recognizing executives whose leadership and business acumen elevate theatrical exhibition.

O’Leary emphasized Jacob’s impact during one of the most challenging chapters in cinema history.

“No one has played a more central role in guiding our industry through the turbulence and uncertainty of the past years than Ellis,” O’Leary said. “His role in positioning exhibition for future success simply cannot be overstated. He has been a strong supporter of Cinema United and a valued mentor to me in my capacity as CEO. On behalf of the entire exhibition industry, we want to thank Ellis for everything he has done.”

For Jacob, the recognition carries personal meaning as he prepares to close this chapter of his career.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Legend of Cinema Award. I have spent my entire career believing in the power of moviegoing to bring people together. The theatrical experience has always held a unique place in our culture, and I am truly humbled to be recognized with this award. I have been fortunate to work with inspiring partners across the exhibition community who share a commitment to ensuring that cinemas continue to thrive,” said Jacob.

The Legend of Cinema Award recognizes individuals whose lifelong dedication has helped preserve and elevate the shared theatrical experience, honoring not only business achievement but a sustained commitment to cinemas as cultural and economic pillars within their communities.

CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, will take place April 13 to April 16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, bringing together thousands of professionals from exhibition, distribution, and across the global motion picture industry.