Dunkirk director Christopher Nolan and Monty Python icon Michael Palin are among the leading faces from the world of entertainment who have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year honours.
Nolan, who is considered to be one of the most influential filmmakers of the 21st century, receives a CBE for his contributions to film.
He’s joined by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, who receives the esteemed honour for his services to music. Mason, who founded the group in 1965, is the only member to feature on every one of their albums.
But it is Palin who receives the top honour, with the esteemed travel presenter and comedy legend bagging a Knighthood for his diplomatic service to travel, culture and geography.
Accepting the honour, Palin described how he had shot to fame with the Python trio almost 50 years ago.
“Discovering there were five other people who had the same sort of sense of humour as myself and we all appreciated each other’s work and that the work that we did, both on television and film, is still being replayed and still being appreciated, that’s quite something, really, after 50 years,” he said.
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“It will be 50 years since Python started, next year. That’s something that hit a high spot that will last forever, so I’m very grateful to all the other Pythons and I am very proud of Python.”
Other notable names include Westworld star Thandie Newton, who receives an OBE, alongside actress Sophie Okonedo.