London, Nov 19 (IANS): Actress Emma Thompson will get a special honour at the British Independent Film Awards here.

The 55-year-old actress will receive the Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution to British films at the awards ceremony Dec 7, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

Johanna von Fischer and Tessa Collinson, joint directors of The Moet British Independent Film Awards (MBIFA), made the announcement Wednesday.

The award, which was introduced in 2002 in honour of actor Richard Harris, has also been presented to several established actors including John Hurt, David Thewlis, Bob Hoskins and Jim Broadbent.

"I am so delighted to be receiving The Richard Harris Award at this year's MBIFAs. It is a very special award, in name of an incredible actor who inspired so many people during his career.

"I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of my peers who have received this award before me, and look forward to celebrating a fantastic year of British independent filmmaking," said the "Howards End" actress.