MediCinema, a British charity that works to build and operate state-of-the-art cinemas inside hospitals and places of care, will be presented with BAFTA‘s Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award at this year’s Film Awards.
This Special Award, one of BAFTA’s highest accolades, is presented to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to film through a particular project or work, with a focus on recognizing efforts that might not otherwise be eligible in BAFTA’s competitive awards categories.
On Sunday, Feb. 16, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, the award will be presented to Colin Lawrence, CEO of MediCinema, to celebrate its impact in bringing free cinema experiences to those undergoing medical treatment in hospitals around the U.K.
Founded in 1999 by Christine Hill, MediCinema enables patients and their families to enjoy the escapism and therapeutic benefits of the big screen in a safe and medically supported environment. Patients can attend even if they are in their hospital beds. The charity collaborates with the film industry to provide the latest releases free of charge. Last year alone, more than 17,500 patients went to a screening in their hospital.
Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, said: “It is a real privilege to be able to recognize the incredible work of MediCinema at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards.”
“MediCinema’s unique cinema experience provides meaningful benefits to hospital patients and their families, by offering the immersive experience of film to alleviate the feelings of anxiety and isolation that people so often feel when in hospital. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the societal good of film deployed in this way. Congratulations to everyone at MediCinema.”