Wrestler-turned-actor John Cena will receive the CinemaCon Action Star of the Year Award, the organization announced Monday.
Cena, who broke out in a featured role in Amy Schumer’s 2015 comedy “Trainwreck,” next stars in Doug Liman’s Iraq War drama “The Wall,” which is due in theaters May 12.
He will be presented with his award at the CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards ceremony on March 30 to kick off the annual convention of The National Association of Theatre Owners at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
“Already a global superstar, entertainer and athlete John Cena has put audiences around the globe on notice with his standout performances in films such as the hit comedy ‘Trainwreck’ and ‘Sisters,’” CinemaCon managing director Mitch Neuhauser said in a statement. “With his undeniable work ethic, genuine and charismatic personality and his already proven ability to entertain, Cena’s upcoming role in ‘The Wall,’ will solidify his place in Hollywood.”
In Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions’ release “The Wall,” Cena and Aaron Taylor-Johnson play two soldiers pinned down by an Iraqi sniper, with nothing but a crumbling wall between them.
Cena began his career with the WWE becoming not only the face of the brand but a 16-time World Champion.
In addition to “Trainwreck,” his big-screen credits include the Tina Fey/Amy Poehler film “Sisters” and a cameo role for the Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg comedy “Daddy’s Home.”
He has signed on to star alongside Leslie Mann and Ike Barinholtz in “The Pact,” which will be release in April 2018. Cena most recently served as host and executive producer of “American Grit.”