The Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA) is proud to announce that Diane Carlson has been named one of the two recipients of the 2025 GSCA Outstanding Achievement Award, honoring her profound impact on the giant screen industry. She was nominated by Paul Wild, and her selection was approved by the GSCA Executive Committee. This prestigious award recognizes individuals whose enduring contributions have significantly advanced the industry, enriched the immersive cinema experience, promoted lifelong learning, and inspired audiences and peers alike. The award will be presented during the GSCA Achievement Awards at the 2025 GSCA International Conference in Austin, Texas.

Diane Carlson’s career in the giant screen industry spans over four decades, during which she has distinguished herself as a visionary leader, programming strategist, passionate educator, and generous mentor. She started her giant screen career in 1980 at Pacific Science Center in Seattle. In the course of her 36 year tenure she worked on the building of an additional IMAX theater and the renovation of the original theater. She also oversaw the upgrade of one the theaters to IMAX with laser and in 1999 led the team that won the GSTA’s Golden MAC Award for the launch of the Boeing IMAX Theater. Simultaneously operating two IMAX theaters and a laser theater at one institution is a rare and complex achievement that showcased her exceptional marketing and operational expertise. She was known as a trail blazing innovator for both daytime educational and evening entertainment films and this work was recognized with the IMAX Founder’s Award in 2012.

Following her tenure at Pacific Science Center, Diane founded Giant Screen Cinema Consulting, through which she continues to support theaters, filmmakers, and institutions with strategic insights and innovation.

Diane’s contributions to GSCA are equally profound. She served on the GSTA and GSCA Board of Directors for more than 12 years, co-chairing numerous key committees including Marketing and Member Services. She developed the foundational Giant Screen 101 and the Developing Theater workshop sessions—core programs that have educated and empowered newcomers and veterans alike. Among her most enduring contributions is her authorship of the name “Giant Screen Cinema Association,” officially adopted at the Boston conference in 2005. That simple but bold rebranding has helped define the association identity.

Known for her marketing brilliance, Diane created iconic campaigns like “Beavers: The Biggest Dam Movie You Ever Saw,” a tagline that still resonates throughout the industry as a benchmark for cheeky, effective marketing. Her legacy also includes extensive support of emerging professionals. She’s renowned for personally welcoming new GSCA members, generously sharing knowledge, and instilling a passion for excellence.

“It is an absolute honor to nominate Diane for her exemplary contributions to the GS industry over the years” says Paul Wild. “Diane is one of the most gracious and dedicated professionals I have had the pleasure of knowing during my 21+ years in this business. Her insatiable and sincere desire to want to contribute and help others for their own benefit as well as for the overall benefit of the entire industry ecosystem, is second to none.”

Stephen Low, a longtime filmmaker and collaborator, stated: “Diane has been the driving force behind many films’ successes. She is, without question, one of the most deserving individuals in our industry”.

Mary Jane Dodge, herself a past GSCA Outstanding Achievement honoree, wrote: “Diane has spent over 40 years shaping this industry—not just working in it, but truly living it. Her energy, creativity, and generosity have helped make the GSCA what it is today”.

Mike Lutz had the honor of having Diane as a client for 30 years at three different companies: IMAX Corporation, MacGillivray Freeman Films, and Laser Fantasy International.  “Diane is my mentor and collaborator. Every agreement with Diane is constructed in fairness and executed with unparalleled dedication to mutual success.”

Diane’s visionary work has had a transformative impact on theater operations, film curation, audience engagement, and the professional development of her peers. Her unwavering belief in the power of giant screen cinema, and her generous spirit, have inspired generations.

The GSCA is honored to recognize Diane Carlson with the 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award, celebrating a legacy built on excellence, mentorship, and innovation.

About the GSCA Achievement Awards

The GSCA Achievement Awards honor excellence in giant screen filmmaking, marketing, and lifelong learning. Awards will be presented at the GSCA International Conference in Austin, Texas, in fall 2025. The conference is attended by professionals from across the global giant screen industry and includes film screenings, development updates, industry panels, and technical demonstrations.

About the Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA)

The Giant Screen Cinema Association is a global organization dedicated to supporting the growth of the giant screen industry. Through innovation, professional development, and collaboration, GSCA promotes the art and science of immersive cinema.
For more information, visit www.giantscreencinema.com.