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Award season is always a big deal at Picturehouse, but this year's celebrations just became unforgettable: we're thrilled to share the news that our Creative Director, Clare Binns, will be presented with the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards next month.  

This Special Award is one of BAFTA's highest accolades, and Clare's abundant love for cinema – and her belief in its power as a place of community – is just one of the reasons she's earned it.

 Clare's life-long passion for film began as a cinema usher in the early 1980s, working her way up to Projectionist and then Manager at Brixton's The Ritzy, Clare went on to operate a network of UK cinemas under Zoo Cinemas before joining Picturehouse in 2003. Throughout her leadership roles, she has deftly balanced a passion for film culture and commercial interests, showcasing blockbusters alongside arthouse films whilst boldly steering both Picturehouse Cinemas and Picturehouse Entertainment through an ever-changing industry landscape.  

Over 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. She's also spearheaded countless initiatives to bring new audiences into cinemas and put them at the heart of their local communities, such as programming our Relaxed, Watch With Baby, Silver Screen, and Dog-Friendly screenings.

She has also overseen an increase in Picturehouse's outreach, including collaborations with Brixton Soup Kitchen and Poetic Unity at The Ritzy. Additionally, under her leadership, Refuge, the UK's leading charity for victims of domestic violence, became Picturehouse's charity partner, regularly holding fundraisers and raising awareness of their work.  

Emily Stillman, BAFTA Chair of the Film Committee, said: "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. We look forward to presenting Clare with BAFTA's Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award next month."  

Clare says: "I was totally blown away when I heard that I was getting this award. 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 UK, who are just getting on with the job of giving film the home it deserves."  

The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday 22 February. We'll be tuning in to celebrate Clare, alongside all the year's finest films – make sure you join us.