Warwick Davis and “Hamnet” composer Max Richter are also receiving some of the United Kingdom’s highest honors in 2026.

Idris Elba knighted, Cynthia Erivo becomes a Member of the Order of the British Empire

Warwick Davis and "Hamnet" composer Max Richter are also receiving some of the United Kingdom's highest honors in 2026.

By Wesley Stenzel

Wesley Stenzel is a news writer at **. He began writing for EW in 2022.

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December 30, 2025 5:16 p.m. ET

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Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo in London on March 1, 2023. Credit:

Karwai Tang/WireImage

- Idris Elba is receiving a knighthood for his charity "services to young people."

- Cynthia Erivo is being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to music and drama.

- Other entertainers listed in HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2026 include Warwick Davis and composer Max Richter.

That's *Sir* Idris Elba to you.

The United Kingdom cabinet office announced that the *Luther* star and Cynthia Erivo are among those listed in HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2026.

Idris Elba in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 11, 2025.

Hoda Davaine/Getty for the Red Sea International Film Festival

Elba is receiving a knighthood for his "services to young people," as he founded the Elba Hope Foundation, worked as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Prince's Trust charity, and has advocated against knife crime. Elba was previously appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for his services to drama. In 2025, he appeared in *A House of Dynamite*, *Heads of State*, *Zootopia 2*, and *Fixed*.

Erivo is being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to music and drama. In 2025 alone, the two-time Oscar nominee starred in *Wicked: For Good*, released her second solo album *I Forgive You*, published her book *Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much*, hosted the Tony Awards, portrayed Jesus in *Jesus Christ Superstar* at the Hollywood Bowl, and received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her multifaceted work on *Poker Face*.

Cynthia Erivo in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Dec. 4, 2025.

Rebecca Sapp/Getty for Santa Barbara International Film Festival

In a press release, the U.K.'s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, "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."

He continued, "Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today."

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Also among the 1157 honorees was *Star Wars* and *Harry Potter* actor Warwick Davis, who is receiving an OBE for his services to drama and charity, as well as *Hamnet* and *The Leftovers* composer Max Richter, who is being awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to music.

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Elba will next appear in 2026's *Masters of the Universe* as Man-at-Arms. He also co-directed and starred in the survival thriller film *Above the Below*, which is expected to release in the near future.

Erivo's next project will be *Dracula*, a one-woman play on the West End stage. She will also lend her voice to the animated movie musical *Bad Fairies*. Both Elba and Erivo will play supporting roles in Gina Prince-Bythewood's fantasy film *Children of Blood and Bone* in 2027.

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