Actor Idris Elba, Meera Syal and Cynthia Erivo were among the hundreds named in King Charles’ New Year honours list published on last Monday.

The full list includes more than 1,157 people in politics, sport, the arts or community service to be awarded titles from Member, Commander or Officer of the Order of the British Empire to the highest honours of knighthoods and damehoods.

Elba, who is known for his roles in the television series Luther and The Wire, was awarded a knighthood for his anti-knife crime campaigning with young people. Cynthia Erivo, an Oscar-nominated and Emmy, Grammy and Tony award-winning actress who is best known for her lead role as Elphaba Thropp in the 2024 musical film Wicked, was given an Order of the British Empire. Actress and writer Meera Syal, whose credits include Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at No. 42 and the novel Anita and Me, was made a dame.

“This year’s honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. Those honoured will receive their awards at investiture ceremonies held later in 2026 at royal residences such as Buckingham Palace.