Idris Elba is now Sir Idris Elba. The actor was knighted in the U.K.’s annual New Year Honors for his ongoing efforts to reduce knife crime amongst British youth and for his work with the Elba Hope Foundation, which he set up alongside his wife Sabrina.
“I receive this honor on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation,” Elba said in a statement (via Sky News). “I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence.”
Honors recipients are announced twice a year, once on the New Year’s Honors List and once on King Charles’ birthday. Along with Elba, this year’s Honors include British comedian, writer, and actor Meera Syal and England women’s football coach Sarina Wiegman, who have been made honorary dames, and British writer Roy Clarke, who was also knighted.
Several musicians were appointed MBE (Member of the British Empire), given for an outstanding achievement or significant, long-term service to the community. Among this year’s recipients are Wicked: For Good star and singer Cynthia Erivo, who is receiving her MBE for services to music and drama, and pop star Ellie Goulding, who is receiving hers for work on biodiversity and the climate. Erivo called the recognition “an honor I could never have thought would happen.”
Actor Warwick Davis was appointed OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), an honor given for valuable service or an innovative national contribution. “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I’ve been in Star Wars,” Davis said in a statement.
“This year’s Honors list celebrates the very best of Britain — people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives,” the U.K. prime minister Kier Starmer said. “Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you — and congratulations to everyone recognized today.”
Anyone can be nominated for a Honor from the British government. The recipients are determined by a committee, who makes recommendations to the British prime minister and then the King. The honors are bestowed by the King. Other honorees this year include chef Marcus Wareing, reality TV host Phil Spencer, sports host Gabby Logan, and soccer commentator Clive Tyldesley.
