Tim Burton - BFI Institute Fellowship Awards Beckon For Tim Burton And Helena Bonham-Carter

BFI Institute Fellowship Awards Beckon For Tim Burton And Helena Bonham-Carter

Acting treasures and partners Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter are going to be honoured by their transatlantic cousins. The British film industry are to give the pair its highest accolade, a British Film Institute fellowship, which ties in handily with the fact that the couple are both going to be in London for the 56th BFI London Film Festival from when it starts today (October 10, 2012) until October 21st.

Burton's new 3D film 'Frankenweenie' opens the festival today, whilst Bonham-Carter's appearance as Miss Havisham in the remake of Dickens' tale 'Great Expectations' will be shown to close the festival. In a statement, Burton said "It means more than I can put into words to receive the BFI fellowship and to be included alongside the great directors who have received it before me."

Bonham Carter said: "I am somewhat bewildered and not sure that I am deserving of such an honour, but shall accept it with deep gratitude." For the first time this year there are shortlists for the annual awards that are handed out at the event. Contenders in the international line-up for best film include 'Ginger and Rosa' by director Sally Potter and 'Seven Psychopaths', a new comedy from the 'In Bruges' team of Martin McDonagh and Colin Farrell. Best British newcomers include theatre director Rufus Norris's debut film 'Broken'.