Benedict outdoes rival Redmayne in battle royal: Sherlock star wins CBE ahead of Eddie's lesser OBE despite losing out to him in the Oscars
- The 38-year-old was awarded a CBE - just one rung below a knighthood
- Redmayne received the lesser OBE despite beating Cumberbatch to Oscar
- 12 Years A Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor also collected a CBE performances
- Singer and songwriter Van Morrison received a knighthood for his career
He lost out to rival Eddie Redmayne at the Oscars and the Baftas, but Benedict Cumberbatch has taken the title in the battle of the honours.
The 38-year-old Sherlock star was awarded a CBE – just one rung below a knighthood – for services to the performing arts and charity in the Queen’s Birthday Honours yesterday.
Redmayne received the lesser OBE – despite beating Cumberbatch to clinch the best actor gong at both the Academy Awards and Baftas for his portrayal of Professor Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything.
Rivalry: 38-year-old Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch (pictured with wife Sophie Hunter) was awarded a CBE while Oscars rival Eddie Redmayne (pictured with partner Hannah Bagshawe) was given a lesser OBE
Old Harrovian Cumberbatch and Eton-educated Redmayne, 33, were among a trio of public school actors to be honoured. Former Dulwich College pupil and 12 Years A Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor also collected a CBE for services to drama.
In total, 1,163 people were recognised by the Queen for their achievements across a wide range of fields including politics, industry, sport, showbiz and charity fundraising – and the list included many famous faces.
Comedian Lenny Henry’s knighthood was the least surprising honour, after reports of the award leaked and he went on national radio to confirm it
American actor Kevin Spacey said he felt like an ‘adopted son’ of the British people after receiving an honorary knighthood for services to theatre, arts education and international culture for his role as artistic director of the Old Vic.
He added: ‘I am honoured and humbled by such recognition from the Queen.’ The honour does not allow him to use the title Sir, but he can put the letters KBE after his name.
Singer and songwriter Van Morrison also received a knighthood for services to the music industry and tourism in his native Northern Ireland.
Comedian Lenny Henry’s knighthood was the least surprising honour, after reports of the award leaked and he went on national radio to confirm it ahead of the official announcement. Other celebrities recognised included BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nicky Campbell, who was awarded an OBE for services to children for his work as a patron of the British Association for Adoption and Fostering.
Doc Martin star Martin Clunes said he felt ‘tremendously proud’ after receiving an OBE for services to drama, charity and the community in Dorset.
Actor and singer Michael Ball said he was ‘chuffed to bits’ after being awarded an OBE for services to musical theatre. Ball said his father received an MBE many years ago and he recalled joining him at the palace when he was given his award, adding: ‘He practised forever to get the bow right.
‘On the day, he got it wrong and nearly headbutted the Queen.’
Singer Patti Boulaye was awarded an OBE for charitable services in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa. Former Through the Keyhole star Loyd Grossman, meanwhile, was awarded a CBE for his work with English Heritage and conservation campaigning.
Singer and songwriter Van Morrison also received a knighthood for services to the music industry and tourism in his native Northern Ireland
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3122216/Benedict-outdoes-rival-Redmayne-battle-royal-Sherlock-star-wins-CBE-ahead-Eddie-s-OBE.html#ixzz3cvMiEEJH
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