Julie Walters set for Richard Harris honor at the BIFAs

Actress Julie Walters is to be honored at Sunday's Moet British Independent Film Awards in London, organizers announced. The "Educating Rita," "Harry Potter," "Billy Elliot" and "Mamma Mia!" star will be presented with the Richard Harris Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to British film by an actor or actress, the BBC said Tuesday. Previous recipients include Michael Gambon, John Hurt, David Thewlis, Bob Hoskins, Jim Broadbent, Daniel Day-Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes. Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt is to serve as host of the awards ceremony at Old Billingsgate.