Actors Joan Collins, Kristin Scott Thomas and John Hurt have been named in the Queen’s New Year Honours List alongside 1161 other recipients.
Joan Collins will become a Dame, the title a recognition for her charity work. The actress was made an OBE for her contribution to the arts in 1997. Collins, 81, began her career as a British film star in the 1950’s before moving to Hollywood. She is best known for her role as Alexis Colby in the 1980’s TV series ‘Dallas’.
John Hurt will be knighted for his services to drama. Hurt, 74, has starred in many memorable film roles including playing John Merrick in The Elephant Man’, Winston Smith in ‘1984’ and Stephen Ward in ‘Scandal’. His most memorable cinematic moment came in Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’.
Hurt also played queer author Quentin Crisp in two films. He first portrayed Crisp in ‘The Naked Civil Servant’ in 1975, he later portrayed Crisp again in ‘An Englishman in New York’ in 2009.
Hurt’s more recent roles include parts in ‘Indiana Jones and the Chrystal Skull’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ movies. He recently played the role The Doctor in the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary special.
Actress Kristin Scott Thomas will also become a dame. The 54 year old actress made her debut in Prince’s 1986 black and white film ‘Under the Cherry Moon’. She has gone on to appear in ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’, ‘Gosford Park’ and ‘The Horse Whisperer’. Scott Thomas has lived in France since she was nineteen, and has also appeared in many French films.
Fashion icon Mary Quant has been made a dame. The British designer was at the forefront of 60’s fashion and is credited with popularising the mini skirt and hot pants.
Actress Emily Watson has been awarded an OBE, alongside fellow actors Sheridan Smith and James Corden. Watson got her break in 1996 when she was cast in Lars Von Tier’s film ‘Breaking the Waves’. Watson replaced actress Helena Bonham Carter who dropped out at the last minute. Watson has gone on to star in many film and theatrical productions.
Smith and Conden are both well known for their roles in the TV series ‘Gavin and Stacey’. Smith recently portrayed singer Cilla Black in a TV miniseries biography. Conden is soon to be seen in the Disney musical ‘Into the Woods’. Corden was recently named as the new host of ‘The Late Late Show’, replacing Craig Ferguson.
Writer and actress Meera Syal was named a Commander of the British Empire. Best known for playing the grandmother in ‘The Kumar’s at Number 42’, Syal has also written many books and played dramatic roles on television. Syal also starred in the LGBTIQ themed comedy series ‘Beautiful People’.
Jenny Broughton, founder of the group Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG) was awarded an MBE. Broughton, now 80, was a vocal opponent of the Thatcher government’s clause 28 legislation that prohibited the promotion of LGBTIQ services in government entities.
Also in the honours, Nigel George Warner, who was awarded an OBE for services to the international movement for lesbian and gay rights.
Dr Jay Stewart, was awarded an OBE. Stewart is co-founder of Gendered Intelligence and chairs the Board of Directors. Dr Stewart was honoured for his service to the transgender community.
OIP Staff
Activist Jenny-Anne Christine Bishop was also honoured with an OBE for services to the trans community.
