Internationally acclaimed thespian, outspoken LGBT rights activist, knight of the realm, and Gandalf to boot; Sir Ian McKellen is truly a national treasure beyond compare. We’re delighted to announce he makes up one part of our inaugural triumvirate of recipients of our Lifetime Achievement award, collecting his accolade this evening.

Sir Ian is the man who came out when virtually no one famous would, the man who co-founded the lobby group that has changed all our lives, a man who continues to speak up for gay rights around the world. His acting career stretches back to the late 50s, but he’s still going strong - he'll be appearing in Peter Jackson’s forthcoming Hobbit trilogy.

You can read a full interview with Sir Ian McKellen in our Awards Issue, in shops and on ipad now.

Check out Ian accepting his award: