Will British Independent Film Award Strengthen Benedict Cumberbatch's Oscars Run?
Benedict Cumberbatchis to be honoured at British Independent Film Awards for his services to film and television. The actor, who is creating Oscar buzz for his portrayal of Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, will receive the Variety Award at the glitzy bash which takes place in London on December 7.
After studying drama at Manchester University at the London Academy of Dramatic Art, Cumberbatch gained early acclaim for his performance as Stephen Hawking in the 2004 BBC drama Hawking. The portrayal earned him his first BAFTA Award and he was rewarded with a role in Danny Boyle's stage production of Frankenstein.
Since then, the star has appeared in Atonement, War Horse, Star: Trek: Into Darkness, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Hobbit and 12 Years a Slave.
More: Benedict Cumberbatch stuns as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game
The British Independent Film Awards celebrate movies made for less than £20 million. This years' nominations for best picture were awarded to Calvary, Mr Turner, Pride, '71 and The Imitation Game.
In the best actor category, Cumberbatch will go up against Timothy Spall, who turned in a career best performance for his portrayal of JMW Turner in Mike Leigh's film.
Watch Benedict Cumberbatch in The Imitation Game trailer:
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