Indie film awards to honour Sheen

Frost/Nixon star Michael Sheen will be among the honourees at this year's British Independent Film Awards.

The actor, who plays David Frost in the film, will be honoured with the Variety Award for bringing global recognition to the British film industry.

Bobby Sands drama Hunger and black comedy In Bruges lead this year's pack with seven nominations apiece.

Other films shortlisted include Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire and Shane Meadows' London-set Somers Town.

Ralph Fiennes receives two nominations in the best supporting actor category for his performances in The Duchess and In Bruges respectively.

Outstanding contribution

The Harry Potter star, currently appearing at the National Theatre in Oedipus Rex, was recognised at the London Film Festival on Monday with the Variety UK Achievement in Film Award.

Colin Farrell is up for the best actor prize alongside his In Bruges co-star Brendan Gleeson.

Somers Town star Thomas Turgoose, winner of the most promising newcomer award in 2006 for This is England, is nominated for the same award.

Keira Knightley is in the running for best actress for The Duchess, while her Edge of Love co-star Sienna Miller gets a supporting actress nod.

David Thewlis will be recognised for his outstanding contribution to British film with an award named after the late Richard Harris.

Actor James Nesbitt will host the 11th annual BIFAs, to be held at Old Billingsgate Market in London on 30 November.

This year's jury includes Atonement director Joe Wright, photographer Rankin and the actress Anne Marie Duff.

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