Arise, Sir Sam!
Sam Mendes, the director who is likely to receive an Academy Award nomination for his newest film, 1917, is heading into the new year with a new title.
Mendes has been announced as part of the Queen’s Honours list, meaning he will enter Buckingham Palace as a commoner, but leave as a Knight! The prestigious tribute is for the 54-year-old’s service to drama throughout his 26-year career that has spurned an Oscar Award for directing American Beauty.
Mendes is not the only Hollywood star being honored by Queen Elizabeth II at the beginning of January.
Steve McQueen, who scooped up the Best Director prize at the 2014 Academy Awards for his feature, 12 Years a Slave, is also being recognized for his services to film. Although raised in Australia, English-born Olivia Newton-John is set to become a Dame, not only because of her contribution to the entertainment industry, but also for her services to charity and cancer research. Despite already being made a Knight in 1998, Sir Elton John has been appointed as Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to music and charity.
The Queen conducts her Honours List twice a year — at New Years and for her birthday in June.
