Sir Christopher Lee will see his life-long achievements in film honoured with a special award presented to him at the this year's 57th annual London Film Festival. The star of a number of Hammer Horror classics, the Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and more will be entered into the BFI Fellowship, the highest accolade awarded by the film preservation group.

Lee has worked in film for close to eight decades and has been a tireless servant to the entertainment industry for most of his life. His work will be recognised by the British Film Institute as part of their annual London Film Festival, where the acting great will be presented with the honour on 19 October.

He said in a statement: "It is a great privilege to be included amongst such a distinguished group of predecessors who have received this Award from the BFI."

Having starred in over 250 films and appeared on stage and even released a number of his own heavy metal projects, Lee has appeared in some of the most iconic roles in British cinema and in Hollywood. Serving as part of the RAF Volunteer Reserves during the Second World War, Lee began his acting career in 1947, but it wasn't until he became involved in the Hammer movie that he became a household name. Whilst working with the company he portrayed such iconic characters as Frankenstein's Monster, The Mummy and, his most iconic role of all; Dracula.

Described as "genuinely iconic" by London Mayor Boris Johnson during Monday's (7 Oct.) announcement, the 91-year-old has duly earned the accolade for his work commitment. BFI CEO Amanda Nevill added, "The BFI Fellowship is awarded to those at the pinnacle of their profession. It is a truly illustrious moment to be honouring Sir Christopher Lee for his enormous and unique contribution to film during a Festival that is committed to excellence."

Christopher Lee
Sir Christopher has had an enduring and rewarding career in film

Christopher Lee BAFTAs
He was awarded an honourary BAFTA by frequent collaborator Tim Burton in 2011