Film industry figures receiving recognition in the British New Year Honours List include veteran actors Tom Courtenay, who receives a knighthood, and Paul Scofield, best known for his Shakespearean work, who becomes a Companion Of Honour.

Producer William Kenwright, whose credits include Don't Go Breaking My Heart, receives a CBE, while US actor Zoe Wanamaker becomes an Honorary Commander. John William Mitchell, a sound mixer and recordist whose credits include This Sporting Life, receives an MBE.

Steven Spielberg, whose upcoming HBO series Band Of Brothers was shot in England, receives an honorary knighthood in recognition of his contribution to the entertainment industry and the British film industry. Although he will not be entitled to be called "Sir", Spielberg can use the letters KBE (Knight Of The British Empire) after his name.