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British Independent Film Awards to honour Michael Sheen

Michael Sheen as Tony Blair in The Queen

Story by Jack Foley

BRITISH actor Michael Sheen is to be honoured at this year’s British Independent Film Awards (2008).

The star of The Queen and the forthcoming Frost/Nixon will receive the Variety Award for bringing global recognition to the British film industry.

Sheen won widespread acclaim for his portrayal of British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the Helen Mirren Oscar winner, and looks set to wow critics again with his portrayal of TV presenter David Frost in Ron Howard’s blockbuster. It’s a role he has already played to great acclaim on stage alongside the film’s co-star Frank Langella.

The actor’s accolade was announced at a special ceremony at London’s Soho House, at which the nominees for all categories in the BIFA were also unveiled.

Of the favourites, Steve McQueen’s depiction of the Bobby Sands’ hunger strike, called Hunger, and black comedy In Bruges, about two hit-men, lead the pack with seven nominations.

Danny Boyle’s eagerly anticipated Slumdog Millionaire and Shane Meadows’ London-set Somers Town are also in the running.

British actor Ralph Fiennes received two nominations in the best supporting actor category for his performances in The Duchess and In Bruges respectively, while Colin Farrell will be pitted against his In Bruges co-headliner Brendan Gleeson for the best actor prize.

Keira Knightley will be hoping to land the best actress prize for her acclaimed performance in The Duchess, while another of her films, The Edge Of Love has secured a nomination for Knightley’s co-star Sienna Miller in the supporting actress category.

Thomas Turgoose, star of Somers Town and winner of the most promising newcomer award in 2006 for This is England, is again nominated for the same award.

David Thewlis, who received widespread acclaim for films such as Mike Leigh’s Naked and this year’s The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, will be recognised for his outstanding contribution to British film with an award named after the late Richard Harris.

The 11th annual BIFAs will be announced at Old Billingsgate Market in London on November 30, 2008, when James Nesbitt will be the host.

This year’s jury includes Atonement director Joe Wright and actress Anne Marie Duff.

View the nominations in full