The 2026 New Year Honours List has been announced in the United Kingdom, with Idris Elba knighted 2026 for his devotion to supporting young people and his efforts to tackle knife crime. King Charles, following recommendations from government officials and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, bestowed honours on 1,157 individuals across many professions, recognizing those who have made a significant difference in the arts, charity, science, and community service.
Idris Elba, who rose to global fame through his performances in Luther and The Wire, was highlighted for his charitable initiatives via the Elba Hope Foundation and his advocacy for safe alternatives for the youth. Elba, who spent his formative years in Hackney, east London, has also made an impact in music with projects such as his 2015 charting release, Murdah Loves John. Upon learning of his knighthood, Elba shared,
I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence.
– Idris Elba, Actor and Activist
Honouring Innovators in Music, Environmental Work, and Culture
Alongside Idris Elba, many individuals from the worlds of music, environmental advocacy, and the performing arts featured in the list of honourees. Cynthia Erivo, a celebrated singer-songwriter and actor, received an MBE for contributions to entertainment. In 2025, Erivo’s music from the film Wicked: For Good made a strong impression in the UK, with several songs reaching the Top 40 and reinforcing her reputation as a dynamic performer.
Ellie Goulding, a well-known pop artist and environmental campaigner, was named an MBE for her dedication to sustainability in addition to a successful music career that includes four UK Number 1 singles and albums.
Composer Max Richter was recognised with a CBE for his wide-ranging influence on British culture and advocacy through music. His portfolio covers concert compositions, opera, ballet, and numerous scores for film and television, with his next project being the soundtrack for Hamnet. Reflecting on his honour, Richter said,
I’ve been lucky enough to spend most of the last few decades writing, performing, recording and thinking about music. The opportunity to spend my life doing what I dreamed of as a child continues to be an immense privilege, and one I never take for granted.
– Max Richter, Composer
Broad Recognition Across Entertainment and Music
The New Year Honours List also acknowledged important contributions from other figures in entertainment. Eve Graham, known for her role in The New Seekers, was named an MBE for her service to the music industry after her group reached significant milestones, including two UK Number 1 singles and the iconic song
“I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony).”
The list also celebrated comedians and actors such as Matt Lucas and Bill Bailey, who have engaged audiences with both their comedic and musical talents. Lucas was awarded an OBE, recognized among other things for his track “Thank You Baked Potato,” while Bailey, whose repertoire includes the album Bill Bailey in Metal, received an MBE.
Celebrating A Diverse Range of Achievements Across the UK
The 2026 Honours List spotlights excellence spanning the arts, with notable achievers from stage, screen, and music joining those in sport, literature, and public service. Speaking about the wide-reaching significance of the awards, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remarked,
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. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today.
– Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
This new class of honourees illustrates the nation’s recognition of individuals who have shaped community values, advanced artistic expression, and promoted positive social change. From prominent performers like Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo to advocates for culture, the honours list projects an inspiring image of modern British achievement. With these distinctions, new attention may be drawn to continuing challenges facing young people and the responsibility individuals and public figures share in addressing them through concrete action.
As honourees celebrate their recognition, the spotlight remains on how these influential figures, including those like Max Richter, Eve Graham, Ellie Goulding, Matt Lucas, and Bill Bailey, will continue impacting their fields and wider society in the years to come.
