Picturehouse’s Clare Binns has been announced as the recipient of the ‘Outstanding British contribution to cinema’ award at this year’s BAFTA Film Awards.
Clare has worked in the industry for over 40 years, starting as a cinema usher in the early 1980s, and joining UK exhibitor-distributor Picturehouse in 2003.
She has spearheaded several initiatives to bring new audiences into cinemas and put them at the heart of their local communities, such as programming relaxed, parent-and-baby, over-sixties, 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 Picturehouse. 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.
Clare has helped showcase the work of the likes of Danny Boyle, Francis Lee, Steve McQueen, Shola Amoo, Charlotte Regan and Alice Winocour on screens across the UK and forged a partnership with Sundance Film Festival for a London event, before establishing its successor Picturehouse Create.
She held the position of managing director of Picturehouse until November last year, transitioning into a part-time creative director role at the company.
“Clare Binns’ impact on the British film industry is profound – she is a hugely talented and beloved visionary,” said Bafta film committee chair Emily Stillman. “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.”
Welcoming the announcement, Clare said: “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.”
Adding his own congratulations, UK Cinema Association Chief Executive Phil Clapp said: ‘I can think of no-one more deserving of this award. Clare’s influence on our sector extends far beyond Picturehouse and can be seen in the approaches taken by cinemas across the country. I’m delighted to see her incredible contribution recognised.”
The 79th BAFTA Film Awards will take place on Sunday 22 February.