Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo and longtime former BFI communications executive Tina McFarling are among the UK film and TV luminaries who have been recognised for their service to the industry in the UK’s 2025 New Year Honours list.
Elba, an OBE, receives a knighthood in recognition of his “exceptional contributions to entertainment and tireless efforts in youth empowerment and social justice”.
The actor earned Bafta nominations for Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom and TV’s Luther, and has directed features including Yardie.
His activism has seen him champion the ‘Don’t Stop Your Future’ campaign against youth violence and knife crime, and co-founded the Elba Hope Foundation and co-created the Creative Futures project, which provides vocational arts training for disadvantaged youth.
Erivo, who stars in the current release Wicked: For Good, as well as Wicked, becomes an MBE in recognition of her work as an actor, singer, producer, and author.
Her feature acting credits also include Harriet and Widows. Erivo has earned three Oscar nominations.
McFarling has received an MBE in recognition of services to the film industry. The highly regarded communications and media advisor most recently served as head of strategic communications at the British Film Institute (BFI) and has worked in senior roles at the UK Film Council and Premier PR and as a journalist.
Willow and Star Wars actor Warwick Davis was awarded an OBE, while composer Max Richter, whose scores include Waltz With Bashir, Wadjda, and Hamnet, earned a CBE.
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