BAFTA announced that Clare Binns will receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards.
Binns leads Picturehouse Cinemas and Picturehouse Entertainment and has actively transformed the UK’s film distribution landscape. The award recognises individuals or organisations that make significant contributions to cinema beyond standard competitive categories.
Over forty years, Binns has championed independent films and diverse storytelling on the UK’s big screens. Furthermore, she has promoted filmmakers including Danny Boyle, Francis Lee, Steve McQueen, Shola Amoo, Charlotte Regan, and Alice Winocour.
In addition, she introduced audiences to films such as Deerskin, The Wife, Taste of Things, The Last Tree, Monster, and God’s Own Country. Binns also launched initiatives that attract new cinema audiences across communities nationwide.
For example, she organised relaxed, parent-and-baby, over-60s, and dog-friendly screenings to welcome audiences of all kinds. Moreover, Binns partnered with Refuge, the UK’s leading domestic violence charity, raising funds and awareness.
She expanded collaborations with Brixton Soup Kitchen and Poetic Unity at The Ritzy Cinema, bringing cinema into the heart of local communities. Meanwhile, Emily Stillman, chair of BAFTA’s Film Committee, called Binns a visionary with profound influence on British cinema.
Stillman praised her commitment to independent filmmaking and support for emerging directors across the country. Binns said she felt “totally blown away” by the announcement and thrilled to share the recognition with her teams.
She added that the award celebrates everyone who helps bring audiences into local cinemas across the UK. Past recipients of the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award include MediCinema, Andy Serkis, June Givanni, Stephen Woolley, and Elizabeth Karlson.
Other honourees include the National Film and Television School, Curzon, Angels Costumes, and BBC Films. Alan Cumming will host the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, 22 February.
BBC One and iPlayer will broadcast the ceremony in the UK, and BAFTA will announce additional international broadcasters soon. In addition, BAFTA will share live updates, red carpet highlights, and ceremony coverage across its social media channels.
Consequently, the Clare Binns Award recognition confirms her role as one of Britain’s most influential cinema leaders. Therefore, she continues to inspire the independent film sector and champion local audiences nationwide.
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