Spielberg’s Knight To Remember

Double Oscar-winner Steven Spielberg has a new award to boast about today after being made an honorary Knight of the British Empire. The award was presented to the director by the British Ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer at a Washington ceremony last night (29 January 2001). Speaking after the glittering ceremony, which was attended by actress Holly Hunter and former First Lady Hillary Clinton, Spielberg was all modesty, asking 'Why me?' But he admitted that the honour, given by the Ambassador in place of the Queen, was particularly special. 'The truth is, I stand before you now and I'm a knight... This is the stuff that all of our childhood fantasies come from. You know, courtliness, civility and honour.' Spielberg went on to say that he had a special affinity with Britain and named both Sir Richard Attenborough and Alfred Hitchcock as particular influences on his career. As Spielberg is not a British citizen, he won't be able to call himself Sir Steven, but he will be able to put the initials KBE after his name. The award was presented to the director for 'unique and outstanding contribution to international film' explained Sir Meyer.