Daniel Craig says British film industry is not a charity case

James Bond star Daniel Craig has launched a staunch defence of the British film industry saying it needs no special pleading - reports ThisIsLondon.

Speaking at the British Independent Film Awards last night, Craig, 39, said it was good to celebrate the British film industry. But he added: "It's not a charity case. It's doing quite well."

Whether making a Hollywood blockbuster or a low-budget British movie, he said what mattered was a good script, good actors and a good director.

The actor, whose latest film The Golden Compass from the Philip Pullman novels opens next week, was at the Roundhouse for the awards.

He said it was "wonderful" to receive the special prize from the industry magazine Variety for putting the international spotlight on British film.

Roger Michell, who directed Craig in the Ian McEwan adaptation Enduring Love, presented the award saying: "We have some of the greatest actors in the world in this country and we have a few film stars. Very occasionally there's a crossover between a great actor and a great film star."

Craig acted in independent films including The Mother, The Jacket and Sylvia. "He's prepared to act without vanity, without self-consciousness and to really plumb the depths in extraordinary ways," Michell said.

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