Oscar and Emmy Award winner James L. Brooks has been named the recipient of this year’s CinemaCon Cinema Vérité Award, as announced today by CinemaCon—the official convention of Cinema United and the world’s largest gathering of exhibitors. The event will take place from March 31st to April 3rd at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Brooks will be honored with this prestigious award during The Walt Disney Studios presentation on the afternoon of Thursday, April 3rd, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
“If anyone embodies the essence of authentic filmmaking, it’s James L. Brooks,” noted Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, “as his filmography represents a heartfelt cinema of truth. Over the past six decades, he has directed films such as ‘Terms of Endearment,’ ‘Broadcast News,’ and ‘As Good as It Gets’ that have made moviegoing audiences around the world laugh, cry, and reflect on life in ways that are undeniably honest. As a producer, he brought us passionate films like ‘Big,’ ‘Say Anything,’ and ‘Jerry Maguire.’ We could not be more honored to present the Cinema Vérité Award to a filmmaker who continues to create stories that speak to the very heart of who we are.”
20th Century Studios is set to release Brooks’ latest film, “Ella McCay,” exclusively in theaters on September 19th, 2025. Written and directed by James L. Brooks, this new comedy explores the intricate politics that emerge when a young woman’s demanding career collides with her unpredictable family life. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Emma Mackey, Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, Spike Fearn, Ayo Edebiri, Rebecca Hall, Julie Kavner, Jack Lowden, Becky Ann Baker, and Joey Brooks, along with Albert Brooks and Jamie Lee Curtis. It is produced by James L. Brooks, Richard Sakai, Julie Ansell, and Jennifer Simchowitz.
A three-time Academy Award winner and recipient of 22 Emmy Awards, Brooks began his career at CBS as an usher before transitioning into writing for the network’s news division. His breakthrough came in television, where he created beloved series such as “Room 222,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Rhoda,” “Lou Grant,” and “Taxi.” His film career took off with “Starting Over” and continued with acclaimed works like “Terms of Endearment,” “Broadcast News,” and “As Good as It Gets.” Brooks earned Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay for “Terms of Endearment” and received Best Director nominations for “Broadcast News” and “As Good as It Gets.”
Beyond directing, Brooks has produced numerous iconic films, including “Big,” “Say Anything,” “War of the Roses,” “Bottle Rocket,” “Spanglish,” “The Simpsons,” “How Do You Know,” “The Edge of Seventeen,” “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” and “Icebox.” In 1984, he founded Gracie Films, the production company behind “The Tracey Ullman Show” and “The Simpsons,” which became one of the most influential shows in television history. With a career spanning over six decades, Brooks remains a towering figure in entertainment, recognized for his impact on both film and television. His induction as a Disney Legend in 2024 highlights his lasting contributions to storytelling. His accolades also include two Peabody Awards and Writers Guild Laurel Awards for both film and television. Brooks is also known for mentoring emerging talent, particularly first-time writers, producers, and directors. His influence is evident in the careers of filmmakers like Wes Anderson (“Bottle Rocket”), Cameron Crowe (“Say Anything”), and Kelly Fremon Craig (“The Edge of Seventeen“), among many others.
What do you think of this news from CinemaCon this year? What is your favorite James L. Brooks film? Please let us know in the comments section below or over on our X account.
Photo Credit Charley Gallay
