Stephen Fry has been knighted in the U.K.’s annual New Year Honors list, while Carey Mulligan and Sarah Lancashire have been named commanders of the British Empire.
Each year, the reigning monarch — in this case King Charles III — names new members of the U.K.’s orders of chivalry, which includes knights, dames, commanders of the British Empire (CBE), officers of the order of the British Empire (OBE), members of the order of the British Empire (MBE), British Empire medals (BEM) and companions of honor.
Actor, broadcaster and comedian Fry was awarded a knighthood alongside former England football manager Gareth Southgate, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and former West Midlands mayor Andy Street. Labour MP Emily Thornberry was named a dame, as was theater star and “Desmond’s” actor Carmen Munroe.
Fry, who was knighted for his charity work in mental health and the environment, was “startled and enchanted” to receive the honor, according to the BBC.
“I think the most emotional thing is when I think of my childhood, and my dreadful unhappiness and misery and stupidity, and everything that led to so many failures as a child,” Fry said. “And for my parents, really, what a disaster. I mean every time the phone rang, they thought, ‘Oh God, what has Stephen done now’. It was a sort of joke in the family.”
“Promising Young Woman” and “Maestro” star Mulligan and “Happy Valley” actor Lancashire were both made CBEs for their contributions to drama. Lancashire called the news an “unexpected delight,” the BBC reported.
Other notable names in entertainment to receive honors include “The Sixth Commandment” star Anne Reid (CBE), “Shameless” and “Bad Sisters” actor Anne-Marie Duff (OBE), “Back to Black’s” Eddie Marsan (OBE), “Inspector Morse’s” Kevin Whately (OBE) and “Doctor Who” lead Tom Baker (MBE).
