Mendes and Mcqueen lead award-winners from showbusiness
Household names from the worlds of showbusiness, sport and politics have been recognised alongside a glittering array of figures from the arts, sciences and charity in the New Year Honours list.
British-born Australian singer Olivia Newton-john is made a dame for services to charity, cancer research and entertainment, while critically acclaimed director Sam Mendes gets a knighthood for his contribution to drama.
From politics, Tory MP Iain Duncan Smith, the architect of the controversial Universal Credit system, is knighted alongside colleague Bob Neill.
Holocaust survivors Mindu Hornick and John Hajdu each get an MBE for services to Holocaust education and commemoration, in a list in which 31 people are honoured for Holocaust education.
England’s cricketing heroes, including Joe Root and Ben Stokes, are also recognised.
Mendes, who has directed two Bond films as well as many international theatre productions, said he was “amazed, delighted and extremely proud”, adding that he would not have received the honour without the talent of those he worked with.
“I have stood on the shoulders of so many collaborators and colleagues over the last 30 years – actors, writers, designers, producers, technicians – to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude. I would not be receiving this honour without them.”
D-day veteran Harry Billinge, whose fundraising efforts made headlines worldwide, is made an MBE for services to charitable fundraising.
Entertainment is well represented, with 12 Years A Slave director Steve Mcqueen receiving a knighthood for services to film.
Musician Billy Ocean gets an MBE for services to music.
Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody is made an OBE for services to music and charity in Northern Ireland after he founded the Lightbody Foundation, which gives annual donations to charities across the country.
Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott and Nadiya Hussain, winner of The Great British Bake Off 2015, receive MBES, while chef and author Nigel Slater becomes an OBE for services to cookery and literature.