- - Sir Idris Elba knighted, Cynthia Erivo among King Charles' New Year honors

Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY December 31, 2025 at 10:09 AM

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You may address him as Sir Idris Elba.

Elba – honored as Dr. Idrissa Akuna Elba – was awarded a knighthood for services to young people on Monday, Dec. 29, given his work bringing attention to knife crime among young people in Britain.

The "Luther" star, 53, has been a vocal advocate for youth and has called for the British government to better address youth violence by banning serrated knives and machetes to reduce knife crimes.

"The Wire" actor is an alum of The King's Trust and has been involved in the charity's work to support youth. Elba has also founded the Elba Hope Foundation, with wife Sabrina Elba, to promote economic and educational opportunities for youth in marginalized and underserved communities, especially Africans and the African Diaspora.

The actor and DJ became an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2016.

Idris Elba accepts the honorary award for "Dust to Dreams" on stage during the Yusr Awards Ceremony at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 on Dec. 11, 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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Meanwhile, "Wicked" star Cynthia Erivo was also given an Order of the British Empire. The Emmy, Grammy and Tony award-winning, Oscar-nominated singer and actress was appointed a member of the order for services to music and drama.

Erivo reflected on the honor on Instagram Tuesday, Dec. 30, writing on her story: "To be given this recognition to celebrate the work that I love to do within the arts, specifically music and drama, is an honor I could never have thought would happen. I hope it shows that I care deeply about the work and will continue to do so to the best of my abilities."

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Honoree Cynthia Erivo attends the 18th annual Kirk Douglas Award tribute presented to Cynthia Erivo during the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara on Dec. 4, 2025, in Santa Barbara, California.

Classes of the order, from lowest, include members, officers, commanders, knight and dame commanders, and knight and dame grand crosses. Orders are awarded to recipients who make significant contributions to the arts, sciences, public service or charitable work, a practice that began in 1917 originally for war efforts.

The pair were among hundreds named in King Charles' New Year honors list for 2026.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement: "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. Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be."

Contributing: Reuters

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