Updated: John Hurt to be presented with knighthood

Update on December 30: This has now been confirmed true, and we congratulate John for this much deserved privilege. Click here to view the full list of New Year’s Honors.

Original post written on December 28:

As we come to the end of another year and the beginning of a new one, it’s traditionally a time of celebration, in some cases, in more ways than one. It has reached that time where the Queen’s New Year honors list is making itself known, honoring those – celebrities and ordinary people alike – who have achieved enough in their life so far to be awarded with a special recognition, those of which include knighthood, Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), etc.

A number of the Harry Potter cast members have been awarded with such honors in the past, and now, another is added to the list. John Hurt (Garrick Ollivander) is a hugely recognized actor, not just in the UK but also all over the world, and has blessed the film industry with his work for more than half a century, with films like the Harry Potter series, Alien, and The Elephant Man linked to his name. Back in 2004, Hurt was a made a CBE, and now, he is rumored to be awarded with the higher honor of knighthood. The full confirmed list is yet to appear online, but he is among those whose name has been mentioned so far.

Other names that have also been tipped for this year’s list are Joan Collins, James Corden, Esther Rantzen, and Sheridan Smith.