Cinemacon - CinemaCon 2025: Big Screen Achievement Awards Celebrate Hollywood’s Brightest Stars and Rising Talents

By Mulder, Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, 03 april 2025

Las Vegas once again became the beating heart of the film industry as CinemaCon 2025 concluded with its prestigious Big Screen Achievement Awards at Caesars Palace. Held annually during the world’s largest gathering of cinema owners, this star-studded event honored a dynamic mix of Hollywood legends, breakout talents, and box-office sensations, capturing the spirit of both legacy and innovation that continues to drive the theatrical experience forward. From emotional speeches to sneak peeks of upcoming blockbusters, this year’s ceremony proved to be a stirring reminder of the enduring power of the big screen.

Among the most celebrated moments of the night was the presentation of the Distinguished Decade of Achievement in Film Award to Channing Tatum. Known for his blend of charisma, comedic timing, and physical presence, Tatum has evolved from breakout roles in Step Up and 21 Jump Street to becoming a defining figure in modern Hollywood. During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Tatum paid tribute to the early advice from his mother—“luck is nothing but preparation and opportunity”—and reflected on how every job he’s taken helped shape the actor he is today. With upcoming appearances in Deadpool & Wolverine and a return to Magic Mike rumored to be in the works, his career shows no sign of slowing down.

Lindsay Lohan, once the face of early-2000s teen cinema, was honored with the Vanguard Award—a recognition of her resilience, reinvention, and enduring connection with audiences. With her return to the spotlight through Netflix hits and the upcoming sequel Freakier Friday, Lohan’s comeback story is now one of Hollywood’s most talked-about arcs. On stage, she reminisced about seeing The Parent Trap in theaters at just 12 years old and how surreal that experience was for her younger self. Thanking her family, Disney, and the fans who stood by her, Lohan emphasized the importance of growth and second chances, capping her moment with grace and sincerity.

The action spotlight of the evening fell squarely on Ana de Armas, who was awarded Action Star of the Year for her lead role in Ballerina, a highly anticipated spin-off from the John Wick universe. Having impressed in films such as No Time to Die, Knives Out, and Blonde, de Armas now steps into her own as a formidable action lead. Her trajectory from art-house favorites to high-octane action stardom reflects both versatility and tenacity, and Ballerina is expected to further cement her as one of the most dynamic performers of her generation.

Glen Powell, fresh off a blockbuster year that included Anyone But You, Twisters, and Hit Man, received the Star of the Year Award. Powell, whose screen presence blends classic movie-star charisma with sharp comedic timing, took the stage to thank his parents for supporting his dream. He also teased his upcoming lead role in The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright—a reimagining of the cult sci-fi thriller that promises to push Powell even further into Hollywood’s elite tier. His blend of charm, humor, and dramatic chops has made him a standout among today’s young male leads.

Cinema royalty Mark Hamill received a thunderous ovation when accepting the Cinema Icon Award, a lifetime achievement recognition that honors his storied career—from his legendary portrayal of Luke Skywalker to recent work in animation, thrillers, and voice acting. Hamill’s emotional speech touched on his decades-long journey through the evolving landscape of cinema, as well as his enduring belief in storytelling as a unifying force. With projects like The Long Walk ahead, Hamill continues to defy expectations and inspire new generations of filmmakers and fans alike.

On the comedic front, the legendary duo Cheech & Chong were honored with the Career Achievement in Comedy Award, celebrating their influential, countercultural legacy that began in the 1970s and continues with their upcoming project Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie. This new film is described as a part-memoir, part-fantasy that blends their real-life experiences with their trademark surreal humor. Their appearance at CinemaCon was both nostalgic and celebratory, as they reflected on how they helped redefine the comedy genre for the big screen.

In addition to honoring established names, CinemaCon 2025 also made space for emerging talent. British actor David Jonsson, who recently starred in Alien: Romulus, was awarded the Next Generation Award. Known for his powerful screen presence and nuanced performances, Jonsson is rapidly ascending as a major talent, with his name now linked to the upcoming Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk. Madeleine McGraw, a rising force in genre cinema, received the Rising Star of 2025 Award ahead of her return in The Black Phone 2, showcasing the next wave of horror stars. Meanwhile, Ben Wang, best known for Disney’s American Born Chinese, was named Star of Tomorrow, as anticipation builds for his lead role in Karate Kid: Legends, a franchise reboot that’s expected to introduce martial arts cinema to a new generation.

CinemaCon’s Big Screen Achievement Awards 2025 not only celebrated the past and present but also charted an exciting course for the future of cinema. With heartfelt speeches, career retrospectives, and promises of what’s to come, the evening was a powerful testament to the theatrical experience’s staying power. As the industry continues to evolve, CinemaCon reminds us that the big screen—anchored by captivating stories and transformative performances—remains one of the most magical places in the world.

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Photos : Getty Images for Cinemacon