The celebrated filmmaker will be knighted by Great Britain, joining a handful of Americans who have been recognized by the Queen during her annual New Year's honors.
Spielberg will be presented the honorary Insignia of a Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (whew!) during a ceremony January 29 at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. The honor, handed out by British Ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer, will recognize Spielberg's "extraordinary contribution to the entertainment industry and the British film industry over the last 25 years."
"Obviously it's something he's very honored and humbled about," says Spielberg's publicist, Marvin Levy. "He's always had enormous respect and great friendship with everyone in Great Britain, having made many films there. He's looking forward to receiving it."
The 53-year-old director of such films as E.T., Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan was born and reared on our side of the pond--Cincinnati, Ohio, to be exact. But this isn't the first time Spielberg's been honored by another country. In 1998, he received the "Bundesverdienstkreuz mit Stern" (the highest civil distinction Germany gives away) for his representation of Germany's history in the World War II Holocaust drama, Schindler's List.
The British order was founded in 1917 to recognize service by civilians during World War I. But more recently, knighthood has been used to honor public service and contributions to society, not to mention work in arts and entertainment.
Last year, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed honorary titles to British-born legends including Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor and Julie Andrews.
Previous American recipients include former presidents George Bush and Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope, General Colin Powell, General Norman Schwartzkopf, Caspar Weinberger and Andre Previn. As an American admitted to a British Order of Chivalry, Spielberg would not get be called "Sir," but he instead can place the initials "KBE" (Knight of the British Empire) after his name.
So does this mean Spielberg will add a "KBE" to his screen credits?
"I don't know," Levy joked. "Right now we're dealing with Dreamworks S-K-G, and now he'd need to add a K-B-E. I don't think I've ever heard Bob Hope use it...but it's still a wonderful honor."