Hold onto your controllers, gamers — Idris Elba has just leveled up to Sir Idris!
The legendary Hollywood powerhouse from Hackney, London, has been knighted in the New Year Honours, adding yet another accolade to his dynamic career. Known for his magnetic performances as Stringer Bell in HBO’s sensational drama The Wire and as the formidable DCI John Luther in the critically acclaimed Luther, Elba's extraordinary talent has captivated audiences worldwide. But the thrills don’t stop there; he’s even taken on roles as the British Prime Minister and the President of the United States in the electrifying films Heads of State and A House of Dynamite released in 2025.
Sir Idris is no stranger to the gaming universe, either! He made an unforgettable impact as Solomon Reed in CD Projekt Red's epic Cyberpunk 2077 expansion, Phantom Liberty, proving he’s got what it takes to own the digital realm too.
Why was he knighted, you ask? It’s not just his on-screen prowess that has earned him this prestigious title. Sir Idris was recognized for his remarkable services to young people through his charity work with the Elba Hope Foundation, which champions community empowerment, education, youth advocacy, and sustainable development. He’s fiercely committed to tackling knife crime and aims to illuminate paths away from violence for today’s youth. Elba passionately stated, “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.”
In other dazzling New Year Honours news, the ever-talented actor and comedian Meera Syal has been awarded a Damehood for her contributions to Literature, Drama, and Charity. Max Richter, the genius composer, received a CBE for his enchanting music that moves the soul. And our beloved Star Wars star Warwick Davis shines brightly with an OBE for his services to Drama and Charity. Reflecting his excitement, Davis exclaimed, “This is the best thing that's ever happened to me — and I've been in Star Wars.”
The sprightly Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in Wicked, earned an MBE, while the ingenious author and television presenter Richard Osman was awarded an OBE for his contributions to literature and broadcasting. It’s a year of celebration for 1,157 honorees across the UK, spotlighting those who've gone above and beyond for their communities.
The gaming world stands to applaud these incredible achievements!