BAFTA to Honour picturehouse’s Clare Binns with Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award

Binns will be honoured with the award on February 22 the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced that Clare Binns, creative director of Picturehouse Cinemas and Picturehouse Entertainment, will receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards.

The honour recognises her decades-long influence on British cinema and her ongoing commitment to championing independent film and expanding access to the theatrical experience across the U.K.

Binns has spent more than 40 years shaping the film exhibition landscape, building a reputation as a passionate advocate for diverse storytelling.

During her tenure at Picturehouse, she has supported and showcased films by filmmakers such as Danny Boyle, Steve McQueen, Francis Lee, Shola Amoo, Charlotte Regan and Alice Winocour, helping bring a wide range of independent and international titles to audiences nationwide.

In addition to her programming work, Binns has led initiatives designed to make cinemas more inclusive and community-focused. These efforts include relaxed screenings, parent-and-baby showings, over-60s screenings and even dog-friendly cinema events.

She has also worked with community organisations and charities, using cinemas as spaces to engage with social issues and local outreach.

Emily Stillman, chair of BAFTA’s Film Committee, praised Binns’ impact on the industry, saying, “Clare Binns’ impact on the British film industry is profound, she is a hugely talented and beloved visionary. Clare’s unwavering commitment to bring a diverse range of storytelling to the big screen, her belief in the power of cinema, and her ongoing work championing emerging independent filmmakers is inspirational.”

Reacting to the announcement, Binns said she was deeply moved by the recognition. “I was totally blown away when I heard that I was getting this award,” she said.

“I’m so thrilled not just for myself but for everyone who has worked with me throughout my career and for those who continue to support the mission to welcome audiences into local cinemas across the U.K., who are just getting on with the job of giving film the home it deserves.”

The Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award is one of BAFTA’s highest honors and will be presented at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on February 22.