Fiennes receives Richard Harris Award, Branagh honored at British Independent Film Awards

Harry Potter actors Ralph Fiennes and Kenneth Branagh were honored at the Moet British Independent Film Awards at Old Billingsgate Market in London on December 4.

Fiennes, who portrayed Lord Voldemort in five of the Harry Potter films, was honored with the Richard Harris Award for his outstanding contribution to British films throughout his career.

The Richard Harris Award, named in honor of the actor who portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, has previously been awarded to other Potter stars John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, David Thewlis and Helena Bonham Carter.

Kenneth Branagh, who portrayed Gilderoy Lockhart in Chamber of Secrets received The Variety Award. Branagh looked back on his role in the Potter film series.

“[It was] lovely to be part of that because it’s such a big bit of the British film industry,” he said.

“I’ve just done a film, My Week With Marilyn, with Emma Watson, who was this size when I first worked with her, and to see her maturing, and Dan [Daniel Radcliffe] and everyone, that’s exacting,” Branagh added.