James Corden, Joan Collins Among Queen Elizabeth's New Year Honours List

Variety reports that James Corden, currently starring in Disney's INTO THE WOODS, and soon to take over the reins of CBS's LATE LATE SHOW, was among those recognized by the British government in its New Year Honours list.

The Tony Award winner, who was named as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama, co-wrote and starred in the comedy GAVIN & STACEY, and also appears in the Hulu series THE WRONG MANS. His recent film credits include ONE CHANCE and BEGIN AGAIN.

Corden made his Broadway debut in THE HISTORY BOYS in 2006 and went on to win a Tony and a Drama Desk Award for his performance in ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS, which transferred from the West End in 2012. The actor told the BBC, "I feel very lucky to be born in a country where creativity is both encouraged and valued."

Corden is one of many well known entertainers who appeared on this year's list, which recognizes exceptional achievement or service in a particular field. The system overseen by the Cabinet Office Honours and Appointments Secretariat, and honors are given to UK nationals or citizens from the 15 Commonwealth realms, including Australia and Canada.

Commonly awarded ranks include Companion of Honour, Knights, Dames, Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Others on this year's list include actor John Hurt, who receivesd a knighthood for services to drama. The title of damehood, a knight's female equivalent, went to actresses Kristin Scott Thomas and Joan Collins, for services to drama and charity, respectively. Other dames include broadcaster and founder of the Childline charity Esther Rantzen, Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, and fashion designer Mary Quant.

Sheridan Smith and Emily Watson, and screenwriter William Nicholson ("Gladiator") all received OBEs. Actress and author Meera Syal and Grammy-winning producer Peter Asher were made Commanders of the British Empire (CBE).

Among the athletes honored this year were Women's Rugby World Cup winners Sarah Hunter and Rochelle Clark (MBEs), runner Steve Cram (CBE) and Fauja Singh, the 103-year-old marathon runner, who collected a British Empire Medal.

Source: Mashable.com