Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has been nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Alan Turing in The Imitation Games.

The Sherlock star, who was born in Kensington where his parents are said to still live, plays the troubled mathematical genius who helped crack the Enigma code during The Second World War.

His Best Actor nomination is one of eight for the film, which also sees Teddington-born and educated actress Keira Knightley up for Best Supporting Actress.

The 38-year-old will battle it out for the leading actors’ gong with Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything), Steve Carell (Foxcather), Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) and Michael Keaton (Birdman).

The Imitation Game (L-R) Keira Knightley, Matthew Beard, Matthew Goode, Benedict Cumberbatch and Allen Leech
The Imitation Game (L-R) Keira Knightley, Matthew Beard, Matthew Goode, Benedict Cumberbatch and Allen Leech

Afterwards Mr Cumberbatch, who announced his engagement to his Hammersmith girlfriend in November, said he was “knocked for six” by the nomination.

The former Harrow schoolboy added: "It’s wonderful to be included by the Academy in this exceptional year of performances. To ring my parents, who are both actors, and tell them that their only son has been nominated for an Oscar is one of the proudest moments in my life."

The Academy Awards ceremony takes place on February 22.

Oscars infographic
Oscars infographic