JUSTIN LIN TO RECEIVE “CINEMACON® DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD”

UNIVERSAL PICTURES TO RELEASE “FAST & FURIOUS 6” 24 MAY, 2013

WASHINGTON D.C. (9 April, 2013) – Justin Lin will receive the “CinemaCon® Director of the Year Award” at this year’s CinemaCon, it was announced today by the convention’s Managing Director, Mitch Neuhauser. CinemaCon, the largest and most important convention for the motion picture theatre industry, will be held from 15-18 April, 2013, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas at which time more than 5,000 industry members will be gathering. Lin will be presented with this special honor at the “CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards” ceremony to take place on Thursday evening, 18 April, in The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The Coca-Cola Company, the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon, will host the final night gala awards program.

“When Justin Lin calls for action on the set, you don’t just get action, you get ACTION, clearly evidenced by the three blockbuster ‘Fast & Furious’ films already under his belt. And come Memorial Day, Lin is set to take movie audiences for another thrilling, action-packed ride with the newest installment in the hit franchise,” noted Neuhauser. “CinemaCon couldn’t be happier to be honoring Justin Lin as its 2013 ‘Director of the Year.’”

Audiences will get to experience Lin’s next film, “Fast & Furious 6,” when it is released 24 May, 2013, by Universal Pictures. Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast of all-stars as Lin is back behind the camera for the fourth time for the blockbuster franchise. Reuniting for their most high-stakes adventure yet, fan favorites Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Elsa Pataky are joined by series newcomers Luke Evans and Gina Carano.

Born in Taiwan and a graduate of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, Lin’s films have grossed more than $1.2 billion worldwide. His solo directorial debut, “Better Luck Tomorrow,” premiered at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival and garnered a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize. In 2006, Lin directed “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” and returned to direct the franchise’s next two films: “Fast & Furious,” followed by “Fast Five.” He is currently developing and producing several new film and television projects including the feature film “L.A. Riots” for Universal Pictures and “The Breach” for Warner Bros.

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 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 57 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too.

Media Contacts:

Heather Lewandoski
Rogers & Cowan
310.854.8147
hlewandoski@rogersandcowan.com

Jessica Erskine
Rogers & Cowan
310.854.8129
jerskine@rogersandcowan.com