British film industry honours top names

RALPH Fiennes and Kenneth Branagh will share the limelight when they are honoured at a prestigious film awards ceremony next month.

The pair will be recognised at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs).

Harry Potter star Fiennes will pick up an award named after legendary actor and hellraiser Richard Harris which recognises an outstanding contribution to British film.

Fiennes’ career includes Oscar-nominated roles in Schindler’s List and The English Patient and he is set to star in the new James Bond film Skyfall. Previous winners of the award include John Hurt, David Thewlis, Bob Hoskins, Daniel Day-Lewis and Helena Bonham Carter.

Belfast-born Branagh will be given The Variety Award at the ceremony at Old Billingsgate in central London on 4 December.