Hoyts wins major award for cinema mobile app innovation in 2025

Australian and New Zealand cinema chain HOYTS has received a 2025 Australian Web Award in the Mobile App category for its new mobile application.

The award, one of just two presented in this category, recognises the HOYTS app's performance in user experience, technical achievement, and its overall approach to serving cinemagoers through digital channels. The ceremony took place in Melbourne and brought together nominees representing various facets of digital design and development within Australia.

The recently launched HOYTS mobile app is the culmination of an 18-month collaboration between HOYTS and digital agency Chook Digital. Since its launch over six months ago, the app has distinguished itself from strong competition, including the Bank of Queensland's myBOQ app and Endeavour Group's Pub+ app.

The app offers a suite of features intended to enhance users' engagement with the cinema experience. These include exclusive member benefits, personalised notifications, the ability to create curated watchlists, and additional functionalities aimed at bringing the cinema experience directly to users' devices.

Adam Wrightson, Director of Information Technology at HOYTS, commented on the achievement and the team's work: "To take home one of only two mobile app awards is not just an honour – it's a powerful validation of the work we're doing to delight our customers and lead the way in digital innovation."

He acknowledged the collective effort behind the creation of the app, stating: "From our producers and testers to developers, every team member played a vital role. And our superhero partners at Chook Digital brought creativity and technical brilliance that truly set us apart."

Wrightson credited the recognition to the collaboration between the HOYTS Digital Team, led by Simone Fisher, and the internal technical team under Geoff Henry, describing the result as a testament to their skills and commitment.

The HOYTS app's win in the Mobile App category follows previous accolades in the digital space. Last year, HOYTS secured awards for Enterprise Website of the Year and Best in Show for SEO at the 2024 Australian Web Awards, creating a pattern of recognition for the company's efforts in digital transformation and user experience.

The Australian Web Awards annually highlight digital achievements across design, UX, and development. Entries are evaluated on criteria such as technical execution, overall digital impact, and the ability to serve and delight end users.

HOYTS, which operates more than 500 screens and over 60,000 seats across Australia and New Zealand, has stated the new app was developed with a clear objective: to provide a seamless digital extension of the cinema journey. The partnership with Chook Digital was instrumental in realising this vision, with both companies integrating design and technology to meet consumer expectations.

The recognition from the Australian Web Awards further reinforces the company's focus on digital engagement and its plans to continue refining its online and mobile offerings for cinema audiences in the region.