Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob to Receive CinemaCon’s Legend of Cinema Award
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18, 2026 – Ellis Jacob, President and CEO of Cineplex, Canada’s largest cinema chain, will receive the Legend of Cinema Award at CinemaCon 2026. The announcement was made today by Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United.
Jacob will develop into only the second recipient of the prestigious award, joining acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese as the sole honorees. The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to preserving and elevating the theatrical experience.
A Legacy of Leadership
Jacob has served as President and CEO of Cineplex since October 2003, transforming the company from a traditional theatre chain into an entertainment and media giant. Cineplex now encompasses film exhibition, amusement and leisure venues, and media operations, including The Rec Room, Playdium, and Cineplex Junxion. The company operates 170 movie theatres across Canada and is North America’s fourth-largest circuit. Screen Daily reports that Jacob began working in the motion picture exhibition industry in 1987.
Advocacy for the Theatrical Experience
O’Leary emphasized Jacob’s crucial role in advocating for theatre owners during a period of significant change for the industry. The Hollywood Reporter notes that Jacob has been a vital voice as major Hollywood studios have redefined theatrical windows and increasingly released films directly to streaming platforms.
“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.”
Industry Recognition
Prior to receiving the Legend of Cinema Award, Jacob served as Chair of Cinema United’s Executive Board from 2018-2020 and received the CinemaCon Marque Award in 2022, recognizing his exceptional leadership and strategic vision. GlobeNewswire highlights O’Leary’s comments that Jacob’s role in positioning the exhibition industry for future success is “simply cannot be overstated.”
Looking Ahead
Jacob will retire this year, leaving behind a lasting legacy of innovation and advocacy for the theatrical experience. The Legend of Cinema Award will be presented during opening night at CinemaCon, which runs from April 13–16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.