A Pd(II)-catalyzed cascade Heck/intramolecular C(sp2)–H amidation reaction is described for the synthesis of 4-aryl-2-quinolinone derivatives. Substituted cinnamamide containing 2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethanamine unit reacts with aryl iodide to form intermediate by Heck reaction. Then, the intermediate takes place intramolecular amidation via C(sp2)–H activated process promoted by orientation group.