Idris Elba

Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year honors list makes knights and dames out of some of Britain’s best loved stage and screen stars even as it recognizes the sacrifices of doctors who treated Ebola victims and the everyday heroism of those who spent time helping others.

Veteran actress Barbara Windsor — familiar for decades since her work on the Carry On films — Wednesday was given a damehood for her services, and celebrated “Swan Lake” choreographer Matthew Bourne was made a knight in recognition of his string of innovative successes.

Other honors were given to revered actress Imelda Staunton, made a Commander of the British Empire for her stellar stage work, and Luther star Idris Elba — touted as a possible future James Bond — who was awarded the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, or OBE.

Britain’s honors are bestowed twice a year by the monarch at New Year’s and on her official birthday in June. Recipients are selected by committees of civil servants from nominations made by the government and the public.

The honors last a lifetime and convey serious prestige: knights are addressed as “sir” and dames are called “dame.”

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