To keep top of the acting profession, Ben - who has received countless awards and nominations over the years - avoids being typecast by appearing in various roles, with each one being different from the last. Films he has starred in include: Steven Spielberg's seven Oscar-winning Holocaust epic "Schindler's List", "Sexy Beast" as a psychopathic gangster, "Bugsy" (with Warren Beatty), "Species" as a scientist, "Dave" (with Sigourney Weaver), "Sneakers" (with Robert Redford), "Without a Clue", "Bloodrayne" as Kagan, King of Vampires, "Twelfth Night" as the musical narrator, and "Lucky Number Sleven" (with Bruce Willisand Morgan Freeman.

He has also worked on projects outside of the big screen. Including starring in a ground-breaking TV production of "Crime and Punishment", and exercised his singing talents working with Julie Andrewsto record an album of songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King And I". The recording was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Cast Album.

In recognition of Ben's acting achievements, he was awarded a knighthood in the 2001 New Years Honors List.

He has caused controversy by being one of few actors to insist on his title being used. Recently, producer David Puttnam branded Ben as “barmy” after “Sir Ben Kingsley” appeared on promotional posters for the movie "Lucky Number Slevin". But Ben insists it was a mistake, saying he was "was shocked when I found out what had happened. No one's ever asked for the title to be used in this way because that's not the way we work in this profession. It's always been and should always be Ben Kingsley".

Sir is "a nickname and a term of endearment and something I'm very proud of. If I've ever insisted on being called 'Sir' by colleagues on a film set than I am profoundly sorry. I've always been proud of the title, but I've learnt to be quietly proud", he added.