Johanna von Fischer and Tessa Collinson, joint directors of the Moet British Independent Film Awards, have today announced that British star Benedict Cumberbatch is to be honoured with The Variety Award at December’s ceremony.
The Variety Award recognises a director, actor, writer or producer who has helped to focus the international spotlight on the UK. The Variety Award was bestowed upon Paul Greengrass last year, while previous recipients include Jude Law, Kenneth Branagh, Liam Neeson, Sir Michael Caine, Daniel Craig, Dame Helen Mirren and Richard Curtis.
Cumberbatch is also nominated for Best Actor for The Imitation Game, while the film is up for a further three awards in Best British Independent Film, Best Screenplay (Graham Moore) and Best Actress (Keira Knightley).
SEE ALSO: Nominations for the 2014 Moet British Independent Film Awards