The legendary British actor will receive his award at the BAFTAs on Feb 12.

Veteran British actor John Hurt is to be honoured with the BAFTA Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award.

The award recognises Hurt’s impressive career spanning six decades, with his credits including The Elephant Man, (for which he won the BAFTA best actor award), A Man For All Seasons, Midnight Express and Alien. More recently he appeared in this year’s BAFTA nominated Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and the Harry Potter series. He has been nominated for two Oscars.

Previous recipients include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman and last year’s winner, the Harry Potter series of films.

Tim Corrie, chairman of BAFTA, said: “John Hurt is an actor it is both exciting and fascinating to watch. He has extraordinary screen presence and brings utter conviction to every role he undertakes. He is one of a kind, an iconic figure, and BAFTA is delighted to take this opportunity to honour his outstanding contribution to cinema.”

Hurt added: “I know that film means a great deal to me but I had no idea that I meant so much to film. I feel very honoured.”

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