Benedict Cumberbatch will receive the Variety Award at this year’s British Independent Film Awards.

Cumberbatch is already nominated in the Best Actor category at the annual awards which honour the best independent films of the year.

The Variety Award is presented to a director, actor, writer or producer who has helped to focus the international spotlight on the UK. Previous winners include Jude Law, Kenneth Branagh, Sir Michael Caine, Daniel Craig, Dame Helen Mirren and Richard Curtis.

Speaking about the honour, Cumberbatch said: : “I am delighted to receive this prestigious award and would like to thank Variety and The Moët 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.”

The awards are presented at Old Billingsgate on December 7.