Kenneth Branagh has said it is "thrilling" to be honoured at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs).
The actor and director received The Variety Award at Old Billingsgate in central London at a glamorous awards ceremony attended by stars including Vanessa Redgrave, Hayley Atwell and Gemma Arterton.
Kenneth said: "It is very exciting and thrilling. It is very nice to have a prize that has the words 'variety' and 'independence' attached to it because it is what I like to pursue in my work and to be in an atmosphere that people say is the Christmas party for the British film industry."
The star of My Week With Marilyn added it was "very important" to honour independent film, adding: "These are people who are publishing stories which are very connected with what the British public might be interested in, what society is interested in, what the zeitgeist is about and that is important.
"The nation needs to talk about itself and hold a mirror up to nature and these films are doing that and the more they are doing that the better."
My Week With Marilyn director Simon Curtis, who attended the awards with his wife, Downton Abbey star Elizabeth McGovern, said it was a "true privilege" working with Kenneth. He said: "Ken is a brilliant actor, a brilliant director and a really brilliant man. I am really, really proud of him."
Harry Potter star Ralph Fiennes was also honoured for his outstanding contribution to British film with the Richard Harris award, named after the legendary actor and hellraiser.
Ralph arrived with Vanessa, who won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in his directorial debut, a big screen adaptation of Shakespeare's Coriolanus.
Ralph said: "I think we're both very happy that we shared making this film. It was extremely challenging to make at a time when no one was rushing forward to make Coriolanus. The fact that we can be here and honoured with nominations - it is great."
Vanessa added: "Ralph has worked so hard to raise the money and his co-producers were fantastic. They used every bit of their hunger and longing to make this film, to find a way to get the finance to make it, it is an extraordinary celebration that not only Ralph's Coriolanus but all the other films here tonight."
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