Cynthia Erivo and Idris Elba are among the prominent names featured in King Charles’ 2026 New Year Honors List. The awards, announced on Monday, Dec. 29, recognize their achievements in entertainment and community service.
Erivo, 38, will receive an MBE for her contributions to music and drama. The Tony-winning actress rose to fame with her role as Celie in the Broadway musical The Color Purple in 2013 and recently earned acclaim for her Oscar-nominated performance as Elphaba in the Wicked films.
Idris Elba, 53, is being knighted for his work supporting young people. He has launched campaigns for youth empowerment and anti-knife crime initiatives and co-founded the Elba Hope Foundation with his wife, Sabrina Elba. The charity focuses on helping diaspora communities and creating opportunities for young talent. Elba said, “I receive 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 to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence.”
Ellie Goulding is also being recognized with an MBE for her work in biodiversity and climate action. Other entertainers honored include British actress Meera Syal, who will receive a Damehood, and author and television presenter Richard Osman for his services to literature and broadcasting.
In sports, members of the England women’s national football team are recognized for their contributions to the game. Manager Sarina Wiegman is receiving an honorary damehood, while player Leah Williamson is awarded a CBE.
The 2026 New Year Honors List features 1,157 recipients from across the U.K. and highlights a doubling in ethnic minority representation from 7% last year to 14% this year, reflecting growing diversity in national recognition.
