Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba and Ellie Goulding are among the high-profile figures named in King Charles’ 2026 New Year Honors List, recognizing their contributions to entertainment, charity and public service.
The honors list was announced on Monday, Dec. 29, and includes 1,157 recipients from across the United Kingdom who are being recognized for professional excellence and service to their communities, according to an official press release.
Erivo, 38, and Elba, 53, are being honored by King Charles, 77, for their achievements in the entertainment industry and their charitable work. The awards will be formally presented at a future ceremony.
Erivo will receive an MBE for services to music and drama. The Tony Award winner rose to prominence with her breakout role as Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple in 2013. Her career has since expanded across stage and screen, most recently earning her an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Elphaba in the two-part film adaptation of Wicked.
Elba is being awarded a knighthood for his services to young people. The actor has been actively involved in campaigns focused on youth empowerment and anti-knife crime initiatives. Alongside his wife, Sabrina Elba, he co-founded the Elba Hope Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting diaspora communities and creating educational and professional opportunities for young people.
In a statement shared via Sky News, Elba said he was accepting the honor on behalf of the young people who inspire the foundation’s work.
“I receive this honor on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation,” he said. “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.”
The 2026 New Year Honors List also reflects increased diversity, with ethnic minority representation rising from 7% last year to 14%, according to the official release.
Singer Ellie Goulding is also included in this year’s list and will receive an MBE for her work on biodiversity and climate issues. Other figures from the arts and entertainment world being recognized include British actress Meera Syal, who is being made a Dame, and author and television presenter Richard Osman, who is being honored for his services to literature and broadcasting.
Members of the England women’s national football team are also being recognized for their contributions to association football. Team manager Sarina Wiegman will receive an honorary damehood, while team captain Leah Williamson is being awarded a CBE.
The New Year Honors List is published annually to recognize individuals across the U.K. for outstanding contributions to public life, culture and community service.