Honors for British Stars
The King’s Birthday Honors List has recognized several British stars for their outstanding contributions to the drama industry. Among them is Oscar winner Gary Oldman, who has been awarded a knighthood for his services to drama.
Gary Oldman’s Achievements
The 67-year-old Oldman has had a distinguished career, winning the Lead Actor Oscar in 2018 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. He is also known for his iconic roles as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter films and spy master Jackson Lamb in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses. Oldman’s breakthrough role came in 1986 when he played Sex Pistols’ bassist Sid Vicious in Sid and Nancy. He has also received two more Oscar nominations for his performances in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2012) and Mank (2021).
Samantha Morton’s Recognition
Samantha Morton, a BAFTA scholarship holder, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to drama and charity work. Her notable credits include Morvern Callar (2002), Minority Report (2002), and In America (2004), for which she received an Oscar nomination. Morton made her breakthrough in Carine Adler’s 1998 drama Under the Skin and won a BAFTA TV Award for The Unloved in 2010, which she also directed and wrote.
Other Honorees
Jeff Pope, who wrote Philomena and produced Stan & Ollie and The Lost King, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to drama. Actress Adjoa Andoh, known for her roles in Bridgeton and Invictus, has also received an MBE. Stage veteran Jane Lapotaire has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to drama, recognizing her notable performances in Blind Justice and Marie Curie, as well as her Tony Award-winning role as Edith Piaf in Piaf (1981).
