It’s been announced that actor Chiwetel Ejiofor will receive the Richard Harris Award at this year’s Moët British Independent Film Awards on December 6. The award which was established in 2002 recognises outstanding contribution by a British actor. Previous recipients include John Hurt, Bob Hoskins, Daniel Day-Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes and Emma Thompson.
Jared Harris, son of Richard Harris, has commented on the choice, “Although the recipients of this award have all been embraced by the establishment, they all came from outside it, fought their way in on the strength of their talent, claimed their place and changed the status quo: a journey that describes Chiwetel’s career perfectly. His talent is immense, it has brought him deserved worldwide recognition, and he is in his prime”.
Ejiofor is probably best know for his performance as Solomon Northup in last year’s Oscar winning 12 Years a Slave for which he earned an Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG nomination. He has worked with several prominent directors from both the US and UK including Ridley Scott, Spike Lee, Tom Hooper, David Mamet and Alfonso Cuarón.
He will be seen next in the upcoming thriller Secret in their Eyes alongside Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman, and in John Hillcoat’s heist crime thriller Triple Nine with Kate Winslet, Casey Affleck and Aaron Paul. He is currently filming Marvel’s Doctor Strange with Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton.
#Peace.Love.ChiwetelEjiofor
