The star of Twelve Years A Slave, Chiwetel Ejiofor, is to be honoured with the Richard Harris award at this year's Moet British Independent Film Awards.
The actor is to receive the prize, created in 2002 when Harris died, in recognition of his "exceptional service" to the film industry, both in the UK and abroad.
See what Harris' son said after the cut
Harris' son Jared said: "I am so happy this award is going to Chiwetel. 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 which describes Chiwetel's career perfectly.
"His talent is immense, it has brought him deserved worldwide recognition, and he is in his prime! I hope this award inspires British filmmakers to take advantage of him and build films around his talent."
Last year Emma Thompson won the award and other previous winners include John Hurt, Bob Hoskins, Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters.
Ejiofor's film career began in 1996 when he starred in Stephen Spielberg's Amistad with Anthony Hopkins and Morgan Freeman.
He won a BAFTA for his portrayal of Solomon Northup in 12 Years A Slave and was also nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe.
This year he was seen alongside Matt Damon in The Martian and is due to hit our screens in Secret In Their Eyes with Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman.
He has been filming Marvel's Doctor Strange in Nepal with Benedict Cumberbatch in recent weeks.
The BIFA awards will take place on 6 December and The Lobster leads the nominations with seven.
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