LONDON — The New Year Honors, announced on Monday, recognize a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions to British society, including actors, authors, athletes, and public figures. Among the recipients are Carey Mulligan, Stephen Fry, and Kazuo Ishiguro, who have each made notable impacts in their respective fields.
Carey Mulligan, acclaimed for her performances and a winner of a BAFTA award for her role in “An Education,” has received the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her contributions to the dramatic arts. The actress is a three-time Academy Award nominee and is widely admired for her work in film and theatre.
Stephen Fry, recognized for his contributions to comedy, particularly through the BBC series “Blackadder” and his previous collaborations with Hugh Laurie, has been knighted. He joins other prominent figures such as Gareth Southgate, the former manager of England’s national soccer team, and Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, who were also honored. The New Year Honors list included over 1,200 individuals from across the UK, highlighting the selfless actions of those who often remain in the shadows of public recognition.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of recognizing everyday heroes, stating, “Each and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities… The New Year Honors List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.” The awards, established as part of chivalric orders since medieval times, are thoroughly screened by a government committee before being formally presented by the monarch.
Fry expressed his surprise and delight at receiving the honor, acknowledging his efforts in advocating for mental health and environmental issues. He is not only known for his contributions to the arts but also serves as the president of the mental health charity Mind and supports Fauna and Flora International, an organization dedicated to conservation. Reflecting on his past struggles, he noted, “I think of my childhood, and my dreadful unhappiness and misery and stupidity, and everything that led to so many failures as a child,” while also recalling the concern often felt by his parents regarding his antics.
Kazuo Ishiguro, the Nobel Prize-winning author of renowned works such as “The Remains of the Day,” was honored with the title of Companion of Honor for his literary achievements. Meanwhile, Sadiq Khan, who has served as London’s mayor three times, expressed his gratitude upon receiving this esteemed honor. Growing up in public housing as the son of a bus driver, Khan has faced criticism for expanding congestion charges on higher-polluting cars, receiving a petition against his knighthood that amassed over 200,000 signatures.
Alongside notable public figures, several athletes received recognition for their outstanding performances, particularly during the Olympics. Keely Hodgkinson, the gold medalist in the 800-meter race in Paris, along with Dina Asher-Smith, a three-time Olympic medalist and former world champion at 200 meters, both earned the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Furthermore, Tom Pidcock, a two-time Olympic mountain biking champion, received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honor for his cycling achievements.
Among the youngest recipients recognized were Mikayla Beames, awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her fundraising efforts to support children with cancer, and swimmer William Ellard, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who received an MBE. Both honorees are just 18 years old. The oldest recipient was Colin Bell, a 103-year-old World War II veteran, who received a BEM in recognition of his charity work and public speaking efforts.
