Sir Ian honoured at San Sebastian

Sir Ian McKellen told journalists Gandalf was "a wonderful character"

Sir Ian McKellen has been given a lifetime achievement award at the San Sebastian film festival in Spain.

The British actor, 71, said he was "very gratified" to receive the Donostia Award "because it's not just for a character but for a career".

He is best known for roles including Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings.

Last year's award was won jointly by Meryl Streep and Antonio Banderas. Other previous winners have included Woody Allen and Robert de Niro.

Asked by journalists to name the favourite character he has played, Sir Ian said: "Usually I say my favourite character is the one I'm doing at the moment.

"But I'm not working at the moment so my favourite character is me."

He added: "Gandalf is a wonderful character - I'm a big fan of Gandalf."

Sir Ian, who starred as Magneto in the X-Men series, has also enjoyed success as a Shakespearean actor.

In 1999, he was nominated for the best actor Oscar for Gods and Monsters and in 2002 he was nominated for best supporting actor for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

The 57th San Sebastian film festival runs until 26 September.