Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob to Receive CinemaCon's Prestigious "Legend of Cinema" Award

The honor comes ahead of Jacob's retirement later this year after leading the Canadian exhibition giant for over 20 years.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 2:07pm

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Longtime Cineplex president and CEO Ellis Jacob is set to receive the prestigious Legend of Cinema Award at CinemaCon 2026. The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to preserving and elevating the shared theatrical experience. Jacob has been a leading voice for North American exhibitors as the industry has navigated changes like the redefinition of the traditional 90-day theatrical window and the rise of streaming.

Why it matters

As the head of Canada's largest cinema chain, Ellis Jacob has been an influential figure in advocating for the theatrical experience during a period of major industry disruption. His recognition with the Legend of Cinema Award underscores his importance in shaping the future of moviegoing.

The details

Jacob has served as president and CEO of Cineplex since 2003. Prior to that, he held various roles within Cineplex Odeon and co-founded Galaxy Entertainment. Jacob is credited with using data from Cineplex's loyalty program to better target diverse audiences across Canada. He will be the second recipient of the Legend of Cinema Award, following Martin Scorsese.

  • Ellis Jacob will receive the Legend of Cinema Award at CinemaCon 2026, which is scheduled for April 13-16 in Las Vegas.
  • Jacob is set to retire from his role as Cineplex president and CEO later this year.

The players

Ellis Jacob

The longtime president and CEO of Cineplex, Canada's largest cinema chain, who is set to receive the prestigious Legend of Cinema Award from CinemaCon.

Michael O'Leary

The president and CEO of Cinema United, the largest trade organization for exhibitors, who announced the honor for Jacob.

Martin Scorsese

The only other recipient of the Legend of Cinema Award prior to Jacob.

Cineplex

Canada's largest cinema chain, which Jacob has led as president and CEO since 2003.

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What they’re saying

“We need people like him (Jacob) who speak up and say, 'this is what I think, or I don't think this will work, or maybe we should try this.' He's a special person and I wish we had two or three of him.”

— Michael O'Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United

“I am deeply honored 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.”

— Ellis Jacob

What’s next

CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, will run from April 13 to 16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where Ellis Jacob will receive the Legend of Cinema Award.

The takeaway

As the head of Canada's largest cinema chain, Ellis Jacob has been a leading advocate for preserving the theatrical experience during a period of major industry disruption. His recognition with the prestigious Legend of Cinema Award underscores his importance in shaping the future of moviegoing.