Benedict Cumberbatch: Life in pictures

The actor has kept himself busy over the last few years, popping up in big-screen franchises like “The Hobbit” and “Star Trek,” in the BBC series “Sherlock” and in awards-season fodder like “12 Years a Slave” and “The Imitation Game,” the latter of which landed him his first Oscar nomination.

(Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Feb. 3, 2015 8:12 PM PT

Benedict Cumberbatch has become a somewhat unlikely household name in recent years as he’s transitioned from acclaimed supporting player to award-winning leading man with the BBC series “Sherlock” and Oscar nominee “The Imitation Game.” Here are some career highlights.

Cumberbatch was born July 19, 1976 in London. He studied drama at the University of Manchester and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and quickly became a fixture on the British theater scene. Pictured: Cumberbatch at a July 3, 2004 photo call at the Monte Carlo Television Festival. (Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images)

In 2007, Cumberbatch played a small role alongside his “Starter for Ten” costar James McAvoy in the period drama “Atonement,” which also starred Keira Knightley. Seen here: Cumberbatch arriving at the film’s British premiere on Sept. 4, 2007. (Shaun Curry / Getty Images)

Cumberbatch on the red carpet of the 2012 Golden Globes, where he was nominated for his work on “Sherlock.” (Jason Merritt / Getty Images)

Cumberbatch at the 2012 Emmy Awards reception on Sept. 21, 2012. He was nominated for an Emmy for lead actor in a miniseries for “Sherlock.” He won in that category two years later. (Imeh Akpanudosen / Getty Images)

“12 Years a Slave” stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, left, Lupita Nyong’o, Cumberbatch and Sarah Paulson appeared onstage at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Jan. 18, 2014, where the film was nominated for the ensemble cast award. (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

Cumberbatch and his “August: Osage County” costar Julia Roberts were among cast members nominated in the ensemble acting category at the 2014 SAG Awards. (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

In 2014, Cumberbatch, right, made his first trip to the San Diego International Comic-Con, and joined “The Hobbit” panel with director Peter Jackson and screenwriter Philippa Boyens. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

On Nov. 7, 2014, Cumberbatch took part in BAFTA L.A.’s Behind Closed Doors discussion series at the Pacific Design Center, where he talked about his career. (David Buchan / Getty Images)

Cumberbatch, who has developed a fervent following, takes a selfie with fans at “The Imitation Game” premiere on Sept. 9, 2014. (George Pimentel / Getty Images)

Cumberbatch is also known for photo bombing stars on the red carpet. Here, he jumps into a photo of U2 being taken at the 2014 Academy Awards. (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

Cumberbatch won the Hollywood Actor Award for “The Imitation Game” at the 18th Hollywood Film Awards on Nov. 14, 2014. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Cumberbatch was engaged to theater director Sophie Hunter on Nov. 5, 2014. They’re shown at the Moet British Independent Film Awards on Dec. 7, 2014 (Tristan Fewings / Getty Images for the Moet British Independent Film Awards)

Cumberbatch accepts the ensemble performance award for “The Imitation Game” at the Palm Springs International Film Festival awards gala on Jan. 3. (Michael Buckner / Getty Images for PSIFF)

Cumberbatch, shown with Sophie Hunter at the 2015 Golden Globes, will soon be seen opposite Johnny Depp in “Black Mass,” and was recently announced as the star of Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange,” set for a 2016 release. He’ll also reprise his “Sherlock” role in 2016. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)