Director Scott gets BFI honour

Scott is directing Russell Crowe in a new version of Robin Hood

Renowned film director Sir Ridley Scott has received a Fellowship from the British Film Institute.

The 71-year-old is the 62nd recipient of the award, joining other luminaries such as David Lean and Clint Eastwood.

Scott's career began as a television set designer in the 1960s before going on to direct films such as Alien and the 2000 Oscar-winning movie Gladiator.

Greg Dyke, chairman of the BFI Governors said Scott was "one of the foremost directors of his generation."

The BFI Fellowship was presented by one of the organisation's former governors, director Stephen Frears.

Created in 1983, the Fellowship is the highest accolade the BFI can bestow and is given in recognition of the outstanding achievement of those who have helped shape film and television culture in the UK.

Scott's 1982 sci-fi thriller Blade Runner recently took first place in the BFI's 75th birthday poll Visions for the Future.

The poll asked people to vote for one of 75 nominated films that they would wish to preserve for future audiences.

Scott is currently working on Robin Hood, which will sees him team up with Gladiator Oscar-winner Russell Crowe for the fourth time, and Cate Blanchett.