Hackney born star Idris Elba is among those honoured by the Queen in the New Year honours list.
He has described his OBE for services to drama as “beyond special”.
He said: “Awards and honours come in all shapes and sizes and all as significant as the other.
“But this is beyond special as it comes from Queen and country, and I couldn’t be more proud for receiving this right now. What a year.”
The 43-year-old rose to fame in American crime drama The Wire and has most recently appeared on the small screen in hit BBC drama Luther.
The OBE caps of a memorable year for the East London star which has seen him receive two Golden Globe nominations.
Acting aside, Elba has a successful music career and is a well-respected DJ.
In June, Elba returned to his Hackney roots to host a version of his iconic 7 Wallace club night in the upstairs of Oslo in Armhurst Road.
The Hackney boy turned Hollywood star also returned to the borough with his dad back in 2011 to open an affordable housing project named in recognition of his achievements.
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