Julie Walters to be honoured at film awards

Julie Walters is known globally for her role as Molly Weasley in the Harry Potter films

Harry Potter actress Julie Walters is to be celebrated at this year's Moet British Independent Film Awards.

The star of stage and screen will receive the Richard Harris award at Sunday's ceremony in central London.

The honorary award - introduced in 2002 in honour of Harris following his death in October that year - recognises outstanding contribution to British film by an actor.

Sir Michael Gambon received the award at last year's event.

Previous recipients include John Hurt, David Thewlis, Bob Hoskins, Jim Broadbent, Daniel Day-Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes.

Walters, who started out in TV working with comedian Victoria Wood, was nominated for an Oscar for her film breakthrough in 1983's Educating Rita.

She was nominated again in 2001 for Billy Elliot. The same year she was cast as Molly Weasley in the first Harry Potter film, a role she played throughout the eight-film franchise.

Walters' other film appearances include Calendar Girls, Mamma Mia! and the recent Paul Potts film One Chance.

Her forthcoming roles include Nan in The Harry Hill Movie, out later this month, and housekeeper Mrs Bird in next year's live-action Paddington film.

The British Independent Film Awards, hosted by actor James Nesbitt, take place at Old Billingsgate on 8 December.

It has already been confirmed that Captain Phillips director Paul Greengrass will receive the Variety Award for helping "focus the international spotlight on the UK".

This year's awards see Steve Coogan and Dame Judi Dench up for best actor and actress for their roles in Philomena.

Prison drama Starred Up has the most nominations, its eight citations including one for best independent film.

Philomena, Metro Manila, The Selfish Giant and Le Week-end are also up for the evening's top prize.

The ceremony will be streamed live on the Film3Sixty site from 20:00 GMT.