Idris Elba Knighted and Cynthia Erivo Honored in UK’s Star-Studded New Year List

Britain’s New Year Honors for 2026 feature a wide range of recipients, from world-famous actors to local heroes. Among those recognized are Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo, who received prestigious awards for their contributions to society, arts, and culture.

The list also includes remarkable individuals like a 102-year-old judo instructor, highlighting the diversity of achievements honored each year.

Idris Elba, known for roles in “The Wire” and “A House of Dynamite,” was knighted for his work supporting young people through the Elba Hope Foundation.

The charity, co-founded with his wife Sabrina, focuses on education, knife crime prevention, and poverty relief. Speaking about the honor, Elba said, “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.”

Cynthia Erivo, celebrated for her performances in stage and screen productions including “Wicked,” was named a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to music and drama. Other notable honorees include ice dancing legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who received damehood and knighthood, respectively, as well as author and comedian Richard Osman, awarded an Officer of the British Empire (OBE).

Retired marathon runner Paula Radcliffe was also honored with an OBE, and 101-year-old D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh received a British Empire Medal for his work educating students about the Holocaust.

John Hearn, known as Judo Jack, was recognized with a British Empire Medal after being acknowledged as the world’s oldest judo instructor by Guinness World Records. These awards demonstrate the range of contributions celebrated by the British honors system, which dates back to the Middle Ages and now recognizes achievements in government, the arts, sports, and public service.

Each year, around New Year’s and the King’s official birthday, honorees are announced and invited to receive their awards in ceremonies hosted by the monarch or other members of the royal family.

Knighthoods and damehoods are the highest honors, allowing recipients to use the titles “Sir” or “Dame,” while other distinctions—Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE), allow recipients to add the corresponding initials to their names. This year, 1,150 people were recognized for their contributions to society.

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