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Actors Carey Mulligan and Stephen Fry, along with author Kazuo Ishiguro, have received awards in the United Kingdom’s annual New Year Honours list.
Over 1,200 people have been recognised in the latest round for significant contributions in arts, sports, politics, and community service.
The honours are bestowed by the King as part of historical orders of chivalry based on recommendations from the prime minister and senior government ministers. The public can also nominate persons for an award.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the “unsung heroes”, acknowledging the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people in their communities.
“They represent the very best of the UK, and I thank them for their incredible contribution,” he said.
Here are some prominent names who have featured on the list:
Carey Mulligan, a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award winner and a three-time Oscar nominee, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama. Credit: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis
Mulligan, who has been nominated for three Oscars, was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama.
Fry, a comedian, actor, writer, and broadcaster, was knighted alongside the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
Fry said he was “startled and enchanted” at receiving the honour, especially for his advocacy on mental health and environmental issues.
A published author and the president of the mental health charity Mind, Fry is also a supporter of the conservation group Fauna and Flora International.
Ishiguro, Nobel laureate and author of The Remains of the Day was named a Companion of Honour for his contributions to literature. The author, who was previously knighted, continues to be celebrated for his literary achievements.
Khan, the son of a bus driver and a former MP who became London’s mayor for three terms, said he was “truly humbled” by his knighthood, despite recent criticism from some motorists over his policies, such as taxing higher-polluting vehicles.
In sport, former football manager Gareth Southgate, who led the England team to the finals of Euro 2020 and 2024, as well as the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, was recognised with a knighthood. He is now Sir Gareth Southgate.
Keely Hodgkinson, who won a gold medal in the 800m at the Paris Olympics, and Dina Asher-Smith, a three-time Olympic medallist, were both honoured as Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Tom Pidcock, an Olympic mountain bike champion, received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
The youngest recipients were Mikayla Beames, who earned a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her fundraising efforts for children with cancer, and swimmer William Ellard, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist, who received an MBE. Both are 18.
The oldest recipient was Colin Bell, 103, a World War Two pilot who was awarded a BEM for his charity work and public speaking.
