NEW DELHI: Renowned British actor Benedict Cumberbatch will receive The Variety Award the Moet British Independent Film Awards at the ceremony on 7 December at Old Billingsgate.
The recipient of The Variety Award was announced today by Johanna von Fischer and Tessa Collinson, joint Directors.
The Variety Award recognises a director, actor, writer or producer who has helped to bring the international spotlight on the UK. The Variety Award was bestowed upon Paul Greengrass last year and has previously been awarded to Jude Law, Kenneth Branagh, Liam Neeson, Sir Michael Caine, Daniel Craig, Dame Helen Mirren and Richard Curtis to name a few.
The news coincides with the release of his latest film, The Imitation Game which is nominated for four Moet British Independent Film Awards: Best British Independent Film, Best Screenplay for Graham Moore; Best Actress for Keira Knightley and Best Actor for Benedict Cumberbatch.
Cumberbatch commented: “I am delighted to receive this prestigious award and would like to thank Variety and The Moet British Independent Film Awards for this incredible honour. It is made even more special by the recognition of The Imitation Game in this year’s nominations, a film I am very proud to be a part of.”
Cumberbatch is best known for playing the title role of Sherlock Holmes in Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss’ stunning adaption of the Conan Doyle books. It is a role that has earned him international acclaim and several awards including an Emmy as Best Actor in 2014.
Benedict is currently filming The Hollow Crown II for BBC and Neal Street Productions, in which he plays the legendary Richard III for director Dominic Cooper and alongside Dame Judi Dench.
Now in its 17th year, the Awards were created by Raindance in 1998 and set out to celebrate merit and achievement in independently funded British filmmaking, to honour new talent, and to promote British films and filmmaking to a wider public.
Previous winners of the prestigious Best British Independent Film Award include Slumdog Millionaire.
