1962
Clarence Derwent Award

1966
Academy Awards, USA
Nominated - Oscar Best Actor in a Supporting Role for: Othello (1965)

Golden Globes, USA
Nominated - Golden Globe Best Supporting Actor for: Othello (1965)

San Sebastián International Film Festival
Won - Prize San Sebastián Best Actor for: Othello (1965)

BAFTA Film Awards
Nominated - Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles for: Othello (1965)

1972
BAFTA TV Awards
Nominated - Best Actor for: Casanova (1971)

1974
BAFTA TV Awards
Won - Best Actor for: The Adventures of Don Quixote (1973), Candide (1973) and The Death of Adolf Hitler (1973).

1977
TV Times Top Ten – Best Actor

1981
Man of the Year Award

1980
City of Baltimore Honorary Citizenship

1983
BAFTA Film Awards
Nominated - Best Supporting Actor for: The Return of the Soldier (1982)

1984
Commander of the British Empire in the 1984 New Year's Honours List.
Presented with his CBE by the Queen on 22nd February 1984.

1992
Honorary Fellowship Bolton Institute of Higher Education