Benedict Cumberbatch is set to receive a CBE in the Queen's birthday honours list as a reward for his services to drama. The 38-year-old rose to fame in 2010 playing the lead in the BBC's critically acclaimed Sherlock.

Benedict CumberbatchBenedict Cumberbatch [L] stars opposite Martin Freeman [R] in the BBC's hit series Sherlock

Since then, the actor has landed high profile roles in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, War Horse, The Fifth Estate and 12 Years A Slave. Last year, he was nominated for a BAFTA, Critics Choice Movie Award, Golden Globe and Oscar for his portrayal of code-breaker Alan Turing in The Imitation Game - losing out to fellow Brit Eddie Redmayne for the latter.

More: Benedict Cumberbatch rightly gets his Time magazine cover

A CBE - Commander of the Order of the British Empire - is bestowed on those who have a prominent role at a national level, or for a distinguished or innovative contribution to any area.

"It's not as though he's a veteran actor such as John Hurt, who didn't get the CBE until he was 64," a film insider told The Sun.

"Benedict is clearly very talented but a CBE is normally for those coming towards the end of their careers," another added.

More: Judi Dench joins Benedict Cumberbatch in BBC's Shakespeare adaptations

Cumberbatch, who married his wife Sophie Hunter in February, has a number of films lined up for release this year and next - including the Johnny Depp drugs-drama Black Mass, Marvel comic-book flick Doctor Strange and Andy Serkis's Jungle Book: Origins in whih he voices Shere Khan.

The Queen's birthday honours ceremony takes place this coming Saturday, at which comedian, actor and charity campaigner Lenny Henry is to receive a Knighthood.