Naomie Harris lands prestigious independent film honor

Bond girl Naomie Harris is to be honored with a special prize celebrating her career at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs).

The 40-year-old star will be presented with the Variety Award at a ceremony in London on 4 December (16), marking her global impact on the U.K.'s independent movie industry.

In response to the announcement, Naomie said she was delighted to follow in the footsteps of previous winners including her Bond co-star Daniel Craig, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jude Law, Michael Caine, Helen Mirren and, last year's (15) honoree, Kate Winslet.

"I am touched and honored to be included alongside such an inspiring and talented group of filmmakers," the actress said.

"Working in film has given me the chance to tell stories from around the world - and I'm incredibly proud to represent British filmmaking when doing so. I'm excited to be home to be part of this year's BIFAs."

Best known for her role as Eve Moneypenny in the two most recent James Bond films, Skyfall and Spectre, Naomie has also appeared in a number of acclaimed British independent films.

Her first major screen role was as the heroine in Danny Boyle's post-apocalyptic horror 28 Days Later, and she has also starred in rock biopic Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and spy thriller Our Kind of Traitor.

Naomie's latest film Moonlight debuted earlier this month (Oct16) to rave reviews, with her performance as a drug addicted mother generating early Oscar buzz.

Nominations for this year's (16) British Independent Film Awards will be announced on 1 November (16).