Sutherland Shire sporting, business and political identities were out in force for "the Grand Opening" of Hoyts Cronulla on Tuesday night.
Former Test captain Steve Waugh, Attorney-General Mark Speakman and many current and former Cronulla Sharks players, coaches and officials, led by Wade Graham and Paul Gallen, were among those present.
For Covid safety, sessions were staggered.
Guests were treated to an early screening of the crime thriller The Dry, starring Eric Bana, which will be released on January 1.
Hoyts chief executive Damian Keogh said, "It has been a challenging year for the industry but our investment in renovating this iconic site demonstrates Hoyts' belief in the future of cinema".
New blockbusters to be shown over coming weeks will include Misbehaviour, Happiest Season, Let Him Go, War with Grandpa, The Witches and more with The Dry and Wonder Woman 1984.