Steve McQueen's Shame, a tale of sexual addiction starring Michael Fassbender, has been handed an NC-17 certificate in the US.

Given that many cinema chains refuse to screen films with that certificate – which forbids minors entry – the decision could be financially ruinous. But the crafty people at Fox Searchlight have refused to appeal the decision and are seeking to turn it to their advantage. Steve Gilula, the studio’s president, said: “I think NC-17 is a badge of honour, not a scarlet letter. We believe it is time for the rating to become usable in a serious manner.”