LONDON (AP) — Singer Shirley Bassey, director Ridley Scott and England women's soccer team goalkeeper Mary Earps were named Friday to Britain's New Year's Honors list, which recognizes the achievements and achievements of more than 1,000 people across the country.
Bassey, 86, who is already a dame – the female equivalent of a knight – was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honor for her contributions to music. The Welsh singer, best known for her James Bond theme songs “Goldfinger” and “Diamonds Are Forever,” became the order's 64th living member, a special status limited to no more than 65 people at a time.
“Entertaining audiences for over 70 years has been a privilege,” she said. “My heart is full of emotions and I am truly humbled.”
Scott, whose films include Gladiator, Alien and most recently Napoleon, was recognized for his services to the British film industry. He was appointed Knight of the Grand Cross, thereby upgrading his previous knighthood.
Other well-known entertainment names on the list included The Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood, who was honored for his contributions to baking and broadcasting; and Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke, who, along with her mother, were made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their work in setting up a brain injury recovery charity.
Clarke survived two brain bleeds and founded the charity SameYou to raise awareness of brain injuries and campaign for better treatments and rehabilitation for survivors.
In sports, Earps was honored alongside Lioness players Millie Bright and Lauren Hemp for their contributions to helping the Lionesses reach the final of the Women's World Cup this summer. England lost 1-0 to Spain in the final in Sydney.
In total, this year's list includes 1,227 award winners, 48% of whom are women. About 14% were from an ethnic minority.
Many on the list are ordinary people who have served their communities. They include 9-year-old Tony Hudgell, the youngest recipient of the British Empire Medal for his services to the prevention of child abuse.
Rizwan Javed, a 33-year-old station assistant, was recognized for his help in rescuing 29 vulnerable people who were at risk of losing their lives at the train station.
Since the Middle Ages, British monarchs have bestowed honors within the framework of knightly orders. Today, nominations are submitted to the government's Cabinet Office and reviewed by a committee before being sent to the Prime Minister and King Charles III. to get redirected.
An exception was Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, who was awarded a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order by Charles, independently of the government.
Welby led the king's coronation service and had the primary responsibility of anointing and crowning Charles and Queen Camilla at the ceremony.