Loach honoured by film critics

Veteran film-maker Ken Loach has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to cinema by the London Film Critics' Circle.

15:06 30 December 2004

Veteran film-maker Ken Loach has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to cinema by the London Film Critics' Circle.

The director's 40-year career took off with the hard-hitting 1966 television drama Cathy Come Home, followed up with the award-winning Kes and My Name Is Joe.

The London Film Critics' Circle awards will take place on February 9th and Mike Leigh's abortion drama Vera Drake is currently leading the pack with seven nominations, including best British film and best actress for star Imelda Staunton.

Mariella Frostrup will host the 25th annual awards, which are held in aid of the NSPCC at London's Dorchester Hotel.

The major contenders for Film of the Year include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Motorcycle Diaries, The Aviator, House of Flying Daggers and Sideways.

Nominated alongside Vera Drake for best British film are: Ae Fond Kiss, Shaun of the Dead, Finding Neverland and My Summer of Love.

Also in the running for best actress are Oscar-winners Charlize Theron for Monster and Nicole Kidman for Birth.

Johnny Depp (Finding Neverland), Leonardo DiCaprio (The Aviator) and Geoffrey Rush (The Life and Death of Peter Sellers) have all received nominations for best actor.

Minnie Driver is in the running for best British supporting actress for The Phantom of the Opera and Freddie Highmore, the 12-year-old star of Finding Neverland, is up for best British newcomer.

Kate Winslet has been nominated for best British actress for her role in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.