Burton and Bonham Carter honoured with BFI Fellowships

Director Tim Burton with his wife Helena Bonham Carter. (GETTY IMAGES)

Actress Helena Bonham Carter and her film director partner Tim Burton are to be honoured by the British movie industry with a BFI Fellowship.

The couple - who have worked together on numerous occasions including on films such as Planet Of The Apes and Sweeney Todd - will be recognised at the annual awards of the BFI London Film Festival which take place on October 20.

The fellowship is the highest honour from the British Film Institute.

US movie-maker Burton, who lives in the UK, said of the accolade: "I feel very touched and grateful to the BFI for this tremendous honour.

"It means more than I can put into words to receive the BFI Fellowship and to be included alongside the great directors who have received it before me."

Bonham Carter - who received her second Oscar nomination last year for her role in The King's Speech - said: "I am somewhat bewildered and not sure that I am deserving of such an honour as a Fellowship from the BFI, but shall accept it with deep gratitude."

She has won acclaim for her performances since taking her first lead movie role in 1986 in Lady Jane. She has since starred in films as diverse as Howard's End, Fight Club and the Harry Potter series.

Burton is recognised as one of Hollywood's most striking directors with credits such as Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and Ed Wood.

The awards ceremony takes place at London's Banqueting House.

PA