The organization Georgia Entertainment has awarded Chris Escobar its Georgia Creative Champion of the Year Award for 2024/2025.
Escobar received the honor at Georgia Entertainment’s Signature 100 event on Dec. 12, an invite-only event for film industry professionals and leaders. According to a press release, over 600 producers, directors and entertainment executives attended the event.
Escobar is the executive director of the Atlanta Film Society and the owner of the Tara and Plaza Theatres. He spearheaded the movement to reopen the Tara Theatre last year after Regal Cinemas closed it in 2022.
“We are so honored to recognize Chris for the hard work and passion he has for Georgia,” said Randy Davidson, founder and CEO of Georgia Entertainment, in the release. “In his roles at public, nonprofit and private organizations, he has been one of the most recognized advocates for more opportunities in Georgia’s creative industries.”
Escobar was also recognized for his efforts to bring the Sundance Film Festival to Atlanta over the course of this year. Atlanta was officially out of the race by September.
Escobar graduated from Georgia State University and has earned numerous awards over the years, including the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEO in 2024. He serves on many boards including: the Advisory Board for Georgians for the Arts, the Advisory Board for the Rialto Center for the Arts, and the Board of Visitors for Georgia State University College of the Arts.
“I am humbled to receive this award on behalf of everyone who is involved with our organizations and companies from staff to board to investors and everyone in between,” Escobar said in the release. “Anything I get credit for is really ultimately thanks to hundreds of people that I get to work with.”