Idris Elba Knighted in UK’s New Year Honors

Idris Elba is set to receive a knighthood in the UK's 2026 New Year's honors list.

Elba is being recognized for his charity work, notably an anti-knife crime campaign, and the Elba Hope Foundation he set up alongside his wife.

Another top honor went to comedian, writer and actress Meera Syal, best known for the groundbreaking TV show “The Kumars at No 42,” who becomes a dame for services to literature, drama and charity.

Meanwhile on screen, Cynthia Erivo is appointed a member of the British Empire (MBE), a tribute the “Wicked: For Good” star described to be “an honor I could never have thought would happen.”

MBEs also went to Tina McFarling, the British Film Institute’s much-loved former head of strategic communications (and founding member of the UK Film Council), and its former film laboratory lead at the BFI National Archive, David Gurney. Both stepped down from their positions in the summer.

Moreover, Order of the British Empire (OBE) honors went to “Thursday Murder Club” author and TV host Richard Osman, “Little Britain” comedian Matt Lucas, “Last of the Summer Wine” writer Roy Clarke, actor Sally Lindsay, comedian Bill Bailey, children’s TV star Paul Chuckle, and Warwick Davis.

“This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me — and I’ve been in Star Wars,” Davis said.

Other honorees in the annual new year list included singers Ellie Goulding and Eve Graham, TV chef Marcus Wareing, reality TV presenter Phil Spencer, sports presenter Gabby Logan and soccer commentator Clive Tyldesley.