CinemaCon 2026 Honors James Cameron, Queen Latifah, and More at Big Screen Achievement Awards

The film industry is gearing up for one of its most celebrated nights as CinemaCon has officially announced the honorees for the 2026 Big Screen Achievement Awards. The ceremony will take place on April 16 at The Dolby Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, serving as the grand finale to the world’s largest convention dedicated to theatrical exhibition.

This year’s lineup of honorees includes James Cameron, Queen Latifah, LaKeith Stanfield, Zoey Deutch, Adam Scott, Noah Centineo, and Catherine Lagaʻaia. Each will be recognized for their contributions to cinema, both in front of and behind the camera, highlighting the wide range of talent driving today’s moviegoing experience.

Designed to celebrate the artistry and innovation behind theatrical filmmaking, the awards spotlight the individuals who continue to push the industry forward. CinemaCon itself brings together thousands of professionals from across exhibition, distribution, and production, reinforcing the importance of the big screen experience in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. For ongoing updates, interviews, and coverage from this year’s event, visit the FlickDirect CinemaCon hub.

Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United, said, “Our industry is at its best when those in it come together to celebrate the power of seeing a movie on the big screen. This includes the incredibly talented people both in front of and behind the camera, whose work is at the heart of what makes the moviegoing experience so powerful and enduring. The films from this year’s honorees will undoubtedly capture the imaginations of audiences around the world, and we are proud to honor their achievements.”

The ceremony, hosted by Nischelle Turner of Entertainment Tonight and presented by The Coca-Cola Company, stands as one of the signature moments of CinemaCon week.

James Cameron will receive the Spirit of the Industry Award, recognizing a career that has consistently reshaped modern filmmaking. From The Terminator and Aliens to Titanic and Avatar, Cameron’s work has combined technical innovation with global storytelling impact. His upcoming project, Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), arriving May 8, 2026, continues that legacy by bringing a concert experience to theaters using advanced 3D technology.

Queen Latifah will be honored for Cultural Impact in Film, reflecting her decades-long influence across music, film, and television. She returns to theaters in Ice Age: Boiling Point, set for release on February 5, 2027, adding to a body of work that spans genres and generations.

LaKeith Stanfield, named Star of the Year, continues to build a reputation as one of the most dynamic actors of his generation. He will next appear in I Love Boosters, arriving in theaters May 22, 2026, following acclaimed performances in Judas and the Black Messiah, Get Out, and Knives Out.

Zoey Deutch will receive the Vanguard Award, recognizing her versatility across a growing range of roles. She stars in Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, opening July 10, 2026, and continues to earn critical praise for her recent performances.

Adam Scott, honored with the Award of Excellence in Acting, continues to move seamlessly between film and television. From Step Brothers to Severance, Scott has demonstrated a wide range that carries into his upcoming film Hokum, arriving May 1, 2026.

Noah Centineo will receive the Star of Tomorrow Award as he transitions into larger-scale projects. He will star in Street Fighter, set for release on October 16, 2026, marking a new chapter in his evolving career.

Catherine Lagaʻaia, named Rising Star of 2026, is set to make her feature debut as Moana in Disney’s live-action adaptation, arriving July 10, 2026. Selected after a global search, her casting introduces a new talent poised to make a significant impact.

The Big Screen Achievement Awards remain a cornerstone of CinemaCon, bringing the industry together to recognize the creativity, innovation, and dedication that continue to define the theatrical experience. As the convention concludes, the ceremony serves as a reminder that the future of cinema is being shaped by both established voices and the next generation of filmmakers and performers.