The 76-year-old 'The Dresser' star accepted the award at the National Media Museum in Bradford, reported Contactmusic.
The special acknowledgement marked the 50th anniversary of his classic film 'Billy Liar'.
"Bradford is a city that has played a significant part in my film career. I shot 'Billy Liar' here 50 years ago, and then 20 years later returned to make 'The Dresser' at The Alhambra Theatre," said Courtenay while accepting the award.
Previous recipients of the BIFF Lifetime Achievement Award include John Hurt, Ken Loach and Richard Attenborough.