CinemaCon 2026: Angel, Sony Pictures Classics, Studio Canal | Distribution Executive Chris Aronso...

Why It Matters

Adopting the highlighted concessions and tech innovations can lift ancillary revenue and improve the theater experience, while formats like Control Movie offer a potential new growth avenue for a market under pressure from streaming.

Key Takeaways

• CinemaCon drops early Thursday panels, integrates international sessions throughout.
• Concessions focus on grab‑and‑go, contactless payment, and Gen‑Z mocktails.
• New round‑table discussions spotlight screen maintenance, premium formats, immersive tech.
• Control Movie format presented by ex‑Fox exec Chris Arensson gains attention.
• AI and immersive technologies discussed, but industry remains cautious on adoption.

Summary

CinemaCon 2026 in Las Vegas brought together distributors, tech vendors, and exhibitors for a packed agenda that included Angel Studios, Sony Pictures Classics, Studio Canal, and a deep‑dive into the new Control Movie format presented by former Fox and Paramount domestic head Chris Arensson.

The event’s schedule was overhauled – the traditional early‑morning international day and 7:45 a.m. Thursday panels were eliminated, spreading international sessions across three simultaneous tracks. Panels highlighted concessions redesign, with grab‑and‑go stations, contactless payment and Gen‑Z‑focused mocktails, while round‑tables covered screen maintenance, premium formats and immersive technologies.

Rebecca Paulie praised the calmer pacing, noting “no more zombie‑like Thursday mornings.” A memorable anecdote cited a theater that sold out of tequila during a “Wicked” screening, underscoring the revenue potential of creative beverage offerings. Discussions also flagged AI’s role in audience engagement, though many participants described the industry as “still a little afraid of new cutting‑edge innovations.”

For exhibitors, the takeaways signal a shift toward faster, tech‑enabled concessions, diversified food‑and‑drink menus, and cautious experimentation with new formats like Control Movie. Embracing these trends could boost per‑patron spend and keep theaters relevant as streaming competition intensifies.

Original Description

On today’s edition of the Boxoffice podcast, presented by TAPOS Cinema Software and Irwin Seating, co-hosts Daniel Loria, Rebecca Pahle recap the launch of CinemaCon 2026, including this year’s CinemaCon Film Showcase, featuring Angel, Sony Pictures Classics, and Studio Canal. In the sponsored segment, Boxoffice Pro’s Chad Kennerk interviews Brandon Purdie, the executive vice president and head of theatrical at Angel, about Angel’s 2026 theatrical slate. Then in the featured segment, Daniel speaks to exhibition veteran Chris Aronson about CtrlMovie technology, which allows audiences to influence the outcome of a film.