Date: 17th November 2014

Benedict Cumberbatch to receive Bifa film honour.


Benedict Cumberbatch is to be honoured at the British Independent Film Awards.

He will receive the Variety award at the London ceremony on 7 December for helping "focus the international spotlight on the UK".

The award coincides with the release of his latest film, The Imitation Game, in which he plays codebreaker Alan Turing.

The drama is up for four awards at the Bifa ceremony and has also been mooted as a potential Oscar contender.

"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," the actor said in a statement.

"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's roles include Atonement, War Horse, Star Trek: Into Darkness, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Hobbit, in which he plays the role of Smaug, a dragon.

Source: Press Release