BAFTA to honour Clare Binns, Creative Director of Picturehouse Cinemas

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts BAFTA has announced that Clare Binns creative director of Picturehouse Cinemas and Picturehouse Entertainment will be honoured with the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards according to The Hollywood ReporterThe prestigious special award one of BAFTAs highest honours recognises individuals or organisations that have made a significant and inspiring contribution to film particularly those whose work may fall outside BAFTAs competitive award categoriesAnnouncing the honour on Monday BAFTA described Binns as a driving force in the distribution of films in the UK and praised her fourdecadelong commitment to championing independent and diverse cinema across British screensOver the last four decades and counting Clare has built an exceptional reputation amongst the British film industry for championing diverse and fiercely independent work on big screens around the UK BAFTA said in a statement according to The Hollywood ReporterHer work has included supporting and showcasing filmmakers such as Danny Boyle Francis Lee Steve McQueen Shola Amoo Charlotte Regan and Alice Winocour as well as films such as Deerskin The Wife Taste of Things The Last Tree Monster and Gods Own CountryBAFTA also highlighted Binns role in spearheading initiatives to broaden cinema audiences and strengthen community engagement These include relaxed screenings parentandbaby shows over60s programmes and dogfriendly screenings across Picturehouse venues as per the outletIn addition Binns has overseen a significant expansion of Picturehouses social outreach efforts including collaborations with Brixton Soup Kitchen and Poetic Unity at The Ritzy Picturehouse Under her leadership Refuge a UKbased charity supporting victims of domestic violence became Picturehouses charity partner with regular fundraisers and awareness campaigns held across cinemasEmily Stillman BAFTA chair of the film committee praised Binns influence on British cinema calling her a visionary figure within the industryClare Binns impact on the British film industry is profound she is a hugely talented and beloved visionary Stillman said Clares 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 are inspirationalReacting 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 Im 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 UK according to The Hollywood ReporterThe 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards are scheduled to take place in London on February 22 Recently unveiled nomination longlists are led by One Battle After Another followed by Hamnet and Sinners as per the outletThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever