English actress Kate Beckinsale has been known both for her timeless beauty and excellent acting skills, having starred in a variety of films.

She has displayed versatile acting abilities as a war nurse in "Pearl Harbor," as a vampire hunter in "Van Helsing," and  a love struck lady in "Serendipity." In pop culture, she is well known as Selene in the "Underworld" movie series.

Her excellence has not gone unnoticed because the 43-year-old actress will be honored at the San Diego International Film Festival with the Cinema Vanguard Award.

Cinema Vanguard Award

Every year the San Diego International Film Festival evaluates a wide variety of movies. This year the organizers deemed that The Cinema Vanguard Award belongs to Beckinsale.

"Beckinsale is an immensely gifted actress who has proven to be one of the industry's most versatile and charismatic performers," they said of the London-born actress.

The Cinema Vanguard Award honors actors and actresses who have displayed tenacity to break new ground within their craft.

In her most recent work, Beckinsale garnered critical acclaim for her take on Lady Susan in Whit Stillman's romantic period drama "Love and Friendship."

"Love and Friendship" is a film adaptation of a Jane Austen's novella which was first screened at Sundance earlier this year.

Beckinsale will return once again as Selene in the fifth installment of the vampire vs. werewolf wars franchise, "Underworld: Blood Wars."

Versatile Actress

Tonya Mantooth, the festival's executive and artistic director, had nothing but praise for the English actress' versatility, saying: "Kate is a wonderful performer and we couldn't be happier to present her with the Cinema Vanguard Award, which is an indication of all the fine work she has done in such a wide variety of film roles."

The San Diego International Film Festival has been celebrating acting talent and excellent films for 15 years now. This year's celebration will run from Sept. 28 through Oct 2.