See which inspiring people have been recognised in this year's honours list...
To say its been an eventful year for Benedict Cumberbatch, would be an understatement. After marrying (in secret) to the theatre director and playwright, Sophie Hunter just this February, the couple swiftly went to Hollywood where they attended the Oscars. Cumberbatch was nominated for the best actor award for his portrayal of enigma code breaker Alan Turing in The Imitation Game. Unfortunately he lost out to fellow British star Eddie Redmayne, who scooped the coveted award for his performance of Professor Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. He couldn’t have been miffed for too long though, as his wife gave birth to their baby boy Christopher Carlton shortly afterwards in June.
Cumberbatch’s list of achievements don’t stop there. Just this week
he was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s
Birthday Honours list. He attended the ceremony with his wife Sophie
Hunter, and was received the award by Queen Elizabeth II herself.
In his relatively short career Cumberbatch has received 2 Olivier Award nominations, (one of which he won for Best Actor), 4 BAFTA nominations, 2 Emmy Award nominations, 2 SAG Award nominations, and a Golden Globe nomination.
In addition to his acting work Cumberbatch issued a nightly plea for help for Syrian refugees at his performance of Hamlet in London. He urged the audience to donate cash to help the crisis and contributions managed to raise more than £150,000. The Sherlock star also took part in a short film for a Save the Children campaign. He has helped a number of other charities including Cancer Research UK and the Children’s Defense Fund, and he is an ambassador for the Princes Trust.
On that note, we look back on other well known stars who have recevied an honorary award this year…
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Kevin Spacey
Actor Kevin Spacey said he 'felt like an adopted son' after being awarded with an honourary knighthood from the Queen for his services to culture and British theatre.
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Sheridan Smith
Gavin and Stacey star, Sheridan Smith was awarded an OBE earlier this year by Prince William for her services to drama.
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Van Morrison
The Belfast born, critically acclaimed musician was granted a knighthood for his services to the music industry and tourism in Northern Ireland.
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James Corden
Actor, comedian and current host of The Late Late Show in America James Corden recieved an OBE from the Princess Royal for his servies to drama.
