Versatile Dynamic Oscar Winning Actress Charlize Theron to be honored at CinemaCon!

Oscar®-winning actress Charlize Theron will receive the “CinemaCon Distinguished Decade of Achievement in Film Award,” it was announced today by the convention’s managing director, Mitch Neuhauser. CinemaCon, the official convention of The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), the largest and most important gathering of cinema owners and operators from around the world, will be held April 23 – 26, 2012 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Theron will be presented with this special honor at the “CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards” ceremony to take place on Thursday evening, April 26, in The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The Coca-Cola Company, the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon, will host the final night gala awards program.

“Over the past decade, Charlize Theron has proven that as an actor, she can do it all. Whether her role be comedic or dramatic, she never ceases to entertain audiences with her unique ability to capture the essence of any character,” noted Neuhauser. “Her thought-provoking, engaging and riveting performances have garnered her critical acclaim and multiple awards and nominations. We’re looking forward to joining the company of those honoring such an inspiring and talented actress.”

Theron will be seen this summer starring as the evil queen out to destroy Snow White (Kristen Stewart) in the epic action-adventure “Snow White and the Huntsman,” to be released on June 1, 2012 by Universal Pictures. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin also joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White’s beauty and power.

Theron can also be seen this summer in 20th Century Fox’s “Prometheus,” set to be released on June 8, 2012. With “Prometheus,” director Ridley Scott creates a groundbreaking mythology in which a team of explorers journey to the darkest corners of the earth to fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

Theron made her feature film debut in 1996 alongside James Spader, Eric Stolz and Jeff Daniels in MGM’s “2 Days in the Valley.” She went on to land roles in a diverse array of films including “Celebrity,” “Cider House Rules,” “Sweet November,” “Italian Job,” “Monster,” “North Country,” “Hancock” and “The Road.” Her portrayal of female serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the independent release “Monster” earned her an Independent Spirit Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award and an Academy Award, among many other honors. She also received an Academy Award nomination for her role in “North County,” an Emmy and Golden Globe nomination for “The Life and Death of Peter Sellers” and a Golden Globe nomination for her most recent film, “Young Adult.”

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon will attract upwards of 5,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry –from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations highlighting a slate of upcoming films, to must-see premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will help jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the summer season at the box office. CinemaCon 2012 will be held from April 23-26, 2012 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. In returning to Caesars Palace, CinemaCon is able to offer its delegates a modern and upscale conference facility and a one-of-a-kind moviegoing experience in The Colosseum, the 4,200 seat theatre and crown jewel of Caesars Palace.

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. Cinemacon is also delighted to have as its official presenting sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company, one of the industry’s greatest and highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies. Additional information on CinemaCon, the Official Convention of NATO, can be found at www.cinemacon.com.

About NATO

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 30,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 50 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too.