Idris Elba And David Oyelowo Make Queen's New Year Honors List

The Queen's New Year Honors list has been announced and several leading British actors have been awarded for their services to drama.

Golden Globe nominees Idris Elba and David Oyelowo are both to be awarded an OBE.  Elba who is known for his role in the hit BBC crime drama Luther, has described the honor as beyond special, while Oyelowo, who played Martin Luther King Jr. in 2014's Selma, explained why the award has particular sentimental meaning. “To be honored by the Queen in this way having been aided by her son's charity feels like a beautiful full-circle moment” Oyelowo said.

Other names from the entertainment industry to be honored include Irish actor, James Nesbitt and Blur frontman Damon Albarn, while medics who helped in the fight against the Ebola epidemic also received knighthoods. With 1,196 people on this year's list, which recognizes the achievements and services of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom, more than three-quarters of recipients have undertaken outstanding work in their communities.

The youngest of them is 13-years old Jonjo Heuerman from Kent, who will be given a British Empire medal after raising £250,000 for Cancer Research U.K., and the eldest is 99-year-old Dorothy Smart from Hertforshire, recognized for five decades of tireless community work.  The Queen also chose to personally honour one of her favourite designers, Stewart Parvin, who will receive a Royal Victorian Order.