HOYTS app earns Webby Award nomination for digital design

HOYTS has been nominated for the 29th Annual Webby Awards in recognition of its redesigned mobile app.

The Australian and New Zealand cinema chain is competing in the Apps and Software – Best Practices category, just six months after releasing its updated HOYTS Mobile App. The app was also recognised as an honouree for Best Visual Design – Function.

The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, acknowledge online excellence in areas such as websites, mobile sites, podcasts, and advertising. HOYTS' selection highlights its efforts to enhance the digital experience for cinema-goers through its mobile platform.

Adam Wrightson, Director of Information Technology at HOYTS, commented on the period of development leading to the nomination, stating, "The app was designed with one goal in mind: Delight our guests. From exclusive member benefits, personalised notifications, watchlists, and more. It's cinema, reimagined for your pocket. I'm so proud of our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence."

The HOYTS Mobile App was developed in collaboration with Chook Digital during an 18-month project aimed at updating the cinema group's digital offering.

The Webby Awards include two separate honours. Members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences determine the winners of the Webby Award. At the same time, the Webby People's Voice Award is chosen through a public online vote. Last year, nearly two million votes were cast from over 230 countries and territories for the People's Voice Award, reflecting its wide reach and public engagement.

The HOYTS nomination places it among international contenders across a range of technology, creative, and media sectors. The Webby Awards are often described as "the internet's highest honour" by media such as The New York Times.

The award winners are set to be announced on Wednesday, 23 April. An in-person ceremony will follow in New York City on Monday, 12 May, corresponding to Tuesday, 13 May in Australia.

The HOYTS Mobile App gives cinema-goers access to member-only benefits through the HOYTS Rewards programme, which can be accessed by signing up or logging in via the app. The app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play, supporting the group's commitment to digital engagement with customers.

HOYTS operates over 500 screens and more than 60,000 seats across Australia and New Zealand, positioning itself as the largest single-brand movie exhibitor in the region.

The nomination reflects the continued significance of digital channels for cinema operators and the importance placed on user experience in entertainment apps.