Amy Poehler is heading to Las Vegas.
The multi-hyphenate has been selected to receive CinemaCon‘s Vanguard Award during the convention’s closing night Big Screen Achievement Awards at Caesars Palace on April 11. Poehler joins a roster of honorees that includes Lupita Nyong’o (Star of the Year) and Shawn Levy (Director of the Year).
For Poehler, the trophy arrives ahead of the release of Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 for which she voices a lead character. The Kelsey Mann-directed film, set for release in theaters on June 14, follows what happens with a sudden demolition threatens headquarters to make room for new emotions. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust don’t know how to feel when Anxiety drops in. Maya Hawke joins a voice cast that includes Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Tony Hale and Liza Lapira.
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“Amy Poehler, in a most distinguished career, has been entertaining people on the big screen for over 20 years,” said Mitch Neuhauser, managing director of CinemaCon. “She is one of the most versatile, recognizable and talented performers of our generation who simply brings joy, happiness, and a smile to our faces with each new role.”
Poehler, who co-founded Upright Citizens Brigade, broke out on Saturday Night Live, where she became the first cast member to snag an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series. Following SNL, Poehler went on to star as Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation, a role that delivered a Golden Globe, an American Comedy Award, Gracie Award and six consecutive Emmy noms.
On the big screen, she’s starred in The House, Sisters, Wet Hot American Summer, They Came Together, A.C.O.D., Free Birds, Are You Here, Baby Mama, Blades of Glory and Mean Girls. In addition to lending voicing Joy in Inside Out, Poehler can be heard in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Monsters vs. Aliens, Horton Hears a Who! and Shrek the Third. She made her directorial debut with Netflix’s Wine Country and went on to helm Netflix’s Moxie and the Amazon doc Lucy & Desi.
Following the CinemaCon outing, Poehler will team with longtime collaborator and close friend Tina Fey for additional dates on their Restless Leg Tour.
CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners, will be held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from April 8-11. The event hosts north of 6,000 motion picture professionals from all corners of the industry including exhibition, distribution, marketing, promotion, equipment and concessions. The International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) are on board as trade show partners with Coca-Cola serving as the official presenting sponsor.
