British film awards to honor Sir Ian McKellen

Out actor Sir Ian McKellen is to be honored at this year's British Independent Film Awards on November 4, officials said Tuesday. McKellen, who appeared as the magician Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings movies, will receive the Variety U.K. Personality Award for his contribution to the British movie industry. Dirty Pretty Things, a thriller about illegal immigrants living in London, dominated nominations for the sixth annual awards, also announced Tuesday. 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 nominated for best actor for his role in Young Adam, and American star Joaquin Phoenix for his performance in 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 nominations are Dirty Pretty Things, 28 Days Later, Buffalo Soldiers, The Magdalene Sisters, and Young Adam. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Hammersmith, west London.