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Here at Picturehouse, we couldn't be prouder of our Creative Director. The great Clare Binns took to the stage at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on 22 February to collect her award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.  

Presented with the award by Emily Watson and Stellan Skarsgard, Clare's skill, humour, and unwavering commitment to the big screen experience shone through. You can watch her full speech below. 

"For me, cinema is about shared experiences," Clare said, "seeing the world through another person's eyes. Understanding each other in new ways. So whilst money must always change hands, the exchange of cultural currency and experience must surely remain our North Star. [...] What will sustain us is why we're here in the first place: the love of watching film and the power of watching films together. Nothing will ever be as meaningful." 

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.  

When the award was announced, 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 couldn't agree more. 

You can continue the BAFTA celebrations at Picturehouse now: catch up with the big winners, including One Battle After Another, I Swear, Sinners and Hamnet, at your local cinema. Find all things awards season at picturehouses.com/awards – and a final congratulations to Clare from the whole Picturehouse family. 

Vive le cinéma!