LONDON, DEC 30: Film director Steven Spielberg will become a Knight of the British Empire in the new year, one of the highest honours bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II - along with being a special tribute for an American.Spielberg's award of an honorary knighthood was announced to coincide with the Queen's annual New Year's honours list, published today, which rewards celebrities, Sports heroes and ordinar Britons who have made a significant contribution to National life.
Those topping this year's list include Patrick Stewart, the Shakespearean actor who played Captain Jean Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the controversial author Fay Weldon, British comic Spike Milligan and Tiggy Legge-Bourke, the nanny who cared for the late Princess Diana's two sons.
When Spielberg is honoured during a special ceremony onJanuary 29 at the British Embassy in Washington D C, the director of E T The Extraterrestrial, Jaws, Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List will join an elite list of Americans. Other honorary American knights include former Presidents George Bush and Ronald Reagan, Secretary of State designate Colin Powell, General Norman Schwarzkopf, comedian Bob Hope and conductor Andre Previn.
But unlike British knights, Spielberg won't become Sir Steven, nor will he kneel and be tapped on each shoulder with a sword as British citizens are. He will, however, be able to put the letters "KBE" after his name.
Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
