McKellen Handed Independent Film Accolade

Acting legend SIR Ian McKellen will be honoured at this year's BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS (03) with the Variety UK Personality Award.

The LORD OF THE RINGS star has been singled out for his outstanding contribution to British cinema during an illustrious career.

In other categories, Stephen Frears' film Dirty Pretty Things has won six nominations and will compete for the Best Film title alongside 28 DAYS LATER, BUFFALO SOLDIERS, The Magdalene Sisters and Young Adam.

Young Adam's Ewan McGregor will face fierce competition from JOAQUIN Phoenix (Buffalo Soldiers), Paddy Considine (In America), Kevin McKidd (16 YEARS OF ALCOHOL) and CHITWETEL EJIOFOR (Dirty Pretty Things) for the Best Actor gong.

Meanwhile Helena Bonham Carter (The Heart of Me), Tilda Swinton (Young Adam), Olivia Williams (The Heart Of Me), Kate Ashfield (THIS LITTLE LIFE) and Samantha Morton (In America) have all been named as contenders for the Best Actress award.

The ceremony will take place in Hammersmith, west London on 4 November (03).