Arise, (Sir) Spielberg

Director Steven Spielberg will receive one of the highest honours that Britain can bestow when he is given a knighthood at the end of January. Spielberg will be knighted in America on 29 January 2001 by the British Ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer. But don't go calling him Sir Spielberg - only British citizens are allowed to call themselves by that title. Spielberg will have to be content with the accolade on its own. A number of film stars will be entering the year 2001 with a sense of increased importance - this time as a result of being on the annual New Year Honours list. Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart was made an OBE as was Charlotte Rampling, while actors Zoe Wannamaker and Joss Ackland were both given CBEs. Actress Fiona Shaw, who will next be seen in the Harry Potter movie, was made a honorary CBE. The highest accolade in the list went to veteran actor Tom Courtenay who was made a knight. Unlike Spielberg, Courtenay who was born in Britain, will be able to put Sir Tom on his calling cards from now on.