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However, unlike those acting knights of the realm, such as Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sir Daniel Day Lewis and Sir Kenneth Branagh, he says that he has been completely overlooked by the honours system.

Since then, he has worked with such masters as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Wong Kar-wai, Martin Scorsese and Kenneth Branagh, but might be best known to samurai fans for 2003’s “Zatoichi,” playing the legendary blind swordsman.

Accepting the top prize on behalf of the cast, Sir Kenneth Branagh said they were all "grateful, humbled and proud".

Harewood, who appeared in Homeland and Supergirl, is taking over from Sir Kenneth Branagh, who is stepping down after nine years in the role.

Last year, Northern Ireland short film An Irish Goodbye was one of the toasts of the Oscars and two years ago Kenneth Branagh's Belfast received seven nominations.