Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo Make King Charles’s New Year Honors List

Mr. Elba received a knighthood and Ms. Erivo was also honored in an annual British tradition celebrating professional excellence and community service.Idris Elba, left, and Cynthia Erivo.Left, Hoda Davaine/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival; Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesDec. 29, 2025, 5:30 p.m. ETThe actors Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo were among those recognized by King Charles III on Monday in his New Year Honors List, an annual tradition in Britain that celebrates people who have achieved eminence in their fields or provided exceptional service to their communities.Mr. Elba, the Golden Globe-winning actor known for his roles in shows such as “The Wire” and “Luther” and in movies including “Thor,” was awarded a knighthood for services to young people. He has campaigned to curb the rising rates of knife crime in Britain, and this year starred in a documentary in which he discussed possible solutions with the king and with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.Ms. Erivo, the Tony- and Grammy-winning actress and singer who recently starred in the “Wicked” films, received a Member of the Order of the British Empire, or M.B.E., for services to music and drama. Since her Broadway debut in “The Color Purple” a decade ago, Ms. Erivo has become one of the most celebrated British performers of her generation.“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,” Mr. Starmer said in a statement.In Britain, anyone can nominate someone for an honor. The prime minister and senior government ministers issue recommendations to the monarch, who makes the final decisions. Last month, David Beckham, the former England soccer captain, was formally knighted for his contribution to sports and his charity work.Not everyone selected accepts an honor. In 2000, the musician David Bowie turned down a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, or C.B.E., because, he explained, “I seriously don’t know what it’s for.” Some have returned their honors, including John Lennon, who handed back his M.B.E. in 1969 in opposition to Britain’s policies in Nigeria and Vietnam, and the Scottish actor Alan Cumming, who gave up an honor two years ago in protest of the role of the monarchy.ImageEngland’s national women’s team lifts the trophy after defeating Spain to win the European women’s soccer championship, in July in Switzerland.Credit...Alexander Hassenstein/Getty ImagesIn all, 1,157 people received New Year Honors this year. Among them:Several members of England’s national women’s soccer team, which won the European championship this year, received recognition. Sarina Wiegman, the manager of the team, was awarded an honorary damehood. Leah Williamson, the team captain, was awarded a C.B.E.Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill, British ice dancers who won an Olympic gold medal in 1984, were awarded a knighthood and damehood for their services to ice skating and voluntary service.ImageJayne Torvill and Christopher Dean performing at Wembley Arena in London, in April.Credit...Eamonn M. Mccormack/Getty ImagesThe oldest recipient is John Hearn, 102, who received a British Empire Medal for services to judo and to the community in Northeast England. He is one of four centenarians on the list.The youngest recipient is Toby Roberts, 20, who received an M.B.E. He won a gold medal in climbing at the Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024.ImageToby Roberts competing in Le Bourget, France, last year.Credit...Pool photo by Chrisophe EnaJenny Gross is a reporter for The Times covering breaking news and other topics.SKIP