James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have been awarded CBEs (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2022 New Year Honours list for services to film, drama, philanthropy and skills.
Speaking on the award, they said, “It is both an honour and a privilege to receive the CBE and we are grateful to all those who have worked with us within the British film industry.”
Daniel Craig has been made a CMG (Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George), for services to film and theatre.
The highly prestigious honour, traditionally reserved for spies, diplomats, ambassadors and Foreign Office workers, recognises service in a foreign country, or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.
Craig shares the honour with the fictional James Bond, who was bestowed the award by author Ian Fleming in the 1957 novel From Russia with Love. In the novel, while reading a file on the secret agent 007, Head of SMERSH, General Grubozaboyschikov, notes that “this spy was decorated with the CMG in 1953, an award usually given only on retirement from the Secret Service, is a measure of his worth.”
Also receiving honours, is actress Joanna Lumley (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)) who has been made a Dame (Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to drama, entertainment and charitable causes.
Speaking on the honour, Lumley said “I am astonished and thrilled and touched beyond words to receive this colossal honour. It comes as a complete and unexpected surprise, and is the kindest and most beautiful present imaginable.”
While author Anthony Horowitz has been awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to literature.
His third James Bond continuation novel, With A Mind to Kill will be released in May 2022.
