John Hurt to Receive Top BAFTA Award

“Elephant Man,” “Alien” actor will be given the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award

Veteran actor John Hurt has been selected to receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the Orange British Academy Film Awards, BAFTA announced on Friday.

John HurtHurt, who is currently appearing in "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy," has won two BAFTA awards and been nominated an additional four times. He has been nominated for Oscars twice, for Best Actor for "The Elephant Man" and Best Supporting Actor for "Midnight Express."

His other films include "A Man for All Seasons," "1984," "Alien" and the "Harry Potter" series.

"I know that film means a great deal to me but I had no idea that I meant so much to film," said Hurt in the BAFTA press release announcing the award. "I feel very honoured."

Previous recipients of the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema include Kenneth Branagh, Mike Leigh, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films and last year's winner, the "Harry Potter" films.

The award will be presented to Hurt at the Orange British Academy Film Awards, which take place on February 12 in London.

Comments