Gandalf actor to be honoured

Ian McKellen is to be honoured at this year's British Independent Film Awards.

The actor, who plays Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, will receive the Variety UK Personality award for his contribution to the British movie industry.

The nominations for the sixth annual awards have been announced and Dirty Pretty Things, a thriller about illegal immigrants living in London, dominates the line-up.

It has been nominated in seven categories including best film and best director for Stephen Frears, while its star Chiwetel Ejiofor is in the running for both best actor and most promising newcomer.

Ewan McGregor is also up for best actor for his role in Young Adam, and US star Joaquin Phoenix is in contention for Buffalo Soldiers.

Helena Bonham Carter (The Heart Of Me), Tilda Swinton (Young Adam) and Samantha Morton (In America) are among the nominees for the best actress award.

The best film will go to either Dirty Pretty Things, 28 Days Later, Buffalo Soldiers, The Magdalene Sisters or Young Adam.

Actress and writer Meera Syal and actor Bill Nighy are among the jury panel. The awards will be held at Po Na Na in Hammersmith, west London on November 4.