Astoria Cinema in Ayr says it is “incredibly proud” of being voted one of the UK’s best cinemas, making the cut for a prestigious national award.
The Merlin Cinemas-owned venue has been shortlisted for the 2026 British Independent Film Awards’ Cinema of the Year, announced on 13 October, from what was originally a list of 50,000 entries.
Bo’ness’ Hippodrome, Lonsdale in Annan, and Edinburgh’s Filmhouse are the three other Scottish cinemas to make the list alongside the Astoria.
A spokesperson from the Ayr cinema thanked supporters for helping it reach this milestone, with people on social media calling the venue “an asset to the town with friendly staff and comfortable surroundings”.
A BIFA panel will choose five from the 15 entries in the category, then select the winner based on what makes them “such special places in their community”.
In explaining the “exciting” award further, a spokesperson from BIFA said: “Cinema of the Year is the only award celebrating the incredible cinemas around the UK at the heart of their communities. Cinemas nationwide were invited to enter, with the public vote deciding the longlist and nominees and a specially selected jury of industry professionals choosing the winner.
“Kia is proud to continue its commitment to independent cinemas by re-partnering with BIFA on the second ever Cinema of the Year award, an exciting award where local communities can celebrate their favourite UK cinemas.”
The nominees will be announced on 3 November, with the award ceremony scheduled for 6 December in Camden, London.
Other venues entered for a chance to win the award include the Abbeygate in Bury St Edmunds, The Ultimate Picture House in East Oxford and The Mockingbird Cinema in Birmingham.
BIG NIGHT: The British Independent Film Awards ceremony will be held at Roundhouse in Camden on 3 December (Image: dave ton via Google Maps)
Astoria first opened its doors to the public in March 2024, restoring the original Odeon Cinema after its June 2023 closure.
Designed by architect Thomas Haddock, the Burns Statue Square building, characterised by an iconic landmark tower, opened in 1938 and operated under the Odeon brand until its handover three years ago.
The movie venue is one of three in Merlin Cinema’s portfolio, which includes Merlin Cinema, Bar and Restaurant in Thurso, since 2015, and the Pavilion Cinema in Galashiels, since 2025.
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today23/10/202613
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