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Cynthia Erivo and Idris Elba are among the big names included in King Charles’ 2026 New Year Honors list.
Erivo, 38, and Elba, 53, will be honored by the 77-year-old king at a ceremony for their achievements in the entertainment industry and their contributions to the community, it was announced on Monday, December 29.
According to an official press release, the 2026 New Year Honors list includes 1,157 winners from a range of industries in the UK, who will be recognized for their great achievements in professional and community support.
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Erivo will be awarded an MBE for his services to music and drama. The Tony Award winner has had an impressive career, starting with her breakout role as Celie in the 2013 Broadway musical The Color Purple and most recently starring as Elphaba in two Oscar-nominated Wicked films.
Elba launched a high-profile campaign to empower young people and end knife crime, and was knighted for his services to young people. The actor also co-founded the Elba Hope Foundation, a charity that supports diaspora communities and creates opportunities for them, with his wife Sabrina Elba.
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“I accept this honor on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience have driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation. I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people, and the responsibility we all share to help find alternatives to violence,” Elba said in a statement, according to Sky News.
According to the announcement, the representation of ethnic minorities in the 2026 New Year honors list has doubled in NY26 from 7% last year to 14%.
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Other names on the 2026 honors list include Ellie Goulding, who received an MBE for her work on biodiversity and climate, British actress Meera Shall, who was awarded an Order of Dame, and author and TV presenter Richard Osman for his services to literature and broadcasting.
Members of the England women’s national football team have also been praised for their services to the Football Association. England women’s team manager Sarina Wigman will be given an honorary title, while player Leah Williamson will be awarded the Order of the British Empire.
