USA: FILM DIRECTOR STEVEN SPIELBERG IS AWARDED HONORARY BRITISH KNIGHTHOOD FOR SERVICES TO CINEMA OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS

Record ID: 390765

  • Title: USA: FILM DIRECTOR STEVEN SPIELBERG IS AWARDED HONORARY BRITISH KNIGHTHOOD FOR SERVICES TO CINEMA OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS
  • Date: 29th January 2001
  • Summary: BRITISH EMBASSY,WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (JANUARY 29, 2001) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) ( * BEWARE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ***) VARIOUS, MR AND MRS JACK VALENTI ARRIVE AT BRITISH EMBASSY SMV,. SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON ARRIVES WIDE OF CEREMONY WITH STEVEN SPIELBERG AND SIR CHRISTOPHER MEYER SCU STEVEN SPIELBERG WIDE OF GUESTS SEATED AT TABLES (2 SHOTS) SMV, SOUNDBI
  • Embargoed: 13th February 2001 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES
  • Country: USA
  • Reuters ID: LVA58GIRZJH5ZDWJBOSOSZDU59K4
  • Story Text: No stranger to receiving awards, Oscar-winning U.S.
    filmmaker Steven Spielberg, was handed a very special gong at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. Monday evening (January 29). Surrounded by a close group of family and friends, the prolific director received an honorary knighthood - Britain presented the award because of his impact on Britain's film industry over the past 25 years.
    American film director Steven Spielberg was visibly moved as he accepted an honorary knighthood from British Ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer at the British Embassy Residence in Washington D.C. This kind of honour is conferred by the Queen of England on individuals who have made an important contribution to relations between their country and Britain. Steven Spielberg has been recognised primarily for his contribution to the British Film Industry. During the past 20 years he has shot many of his blockbuster movies in the UK, for instance, " Raiders of the Lost Ark", and more recently "Saving Private Ryan" for which he was awarded an Oscar for Best Director in 1998.
    He has just wrapped "Band of Brothers", a ten hour mini series co produced with actor Tom Hanks, also filmed in Britain.
    Spielberg has often expressed his confidence in British acting and technical talent, and has used Britain as a base for several projects.
    Close friends and family, including Senator Hillary Clinton and actress Holly Hunter gathered at the embassy for dinner and the official ceremony.
    British Ambassador Christopher Meyer said Britain gave Spielberg, whose films also include " Jaws" , "ET", the "
    Indiana Jones" trilogy,
    "Jurassic Park" and "Schindler's List", the award " in recognition of his unique and outstanding contribution to international film, and in particular, his services to the entertainment industry of the United Kingdom,"
    Meyer said
    "Mr. Spielberg's career has had a global impact.
    But the impact in the United Kingdom stands out," Meyer added, noting his films had helped double cinema admissions in Britain since the early 1980s.
    He lauded Spielberg for using British actors, technicians and other artists in his films, as well as bringing significant U.S. investment to Britain by producing and directing "Saving Private Ryan" there. He said Spielberg's use of British actors and locales for his films had helped Britain attract other filmmakers from other countries. "Mr.
    Spielberg epitomizes the cultural partnership between our two countries," Meyer said. "I am privileged to present this historical award tonight on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen."
    Spielberg expressed his sense of disbelief and honour in accepting the award, saying that "next to my wedding this is the most romantic award I have ever received.... I am happy beyond words."
    In an interview following the cermony Spielberg talked of his affection for Britain and how he had even met his wife Kate Capshaw there. He spoke of his long held admiration of British directors like Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean, and Lindsay Anderson, and of how he admired the work ethic and professionalism of British talent in general.
    He said the award was the stuff of childish imagination and something he had never even thought possible. His wife was equally moved by the evening, saying since they were first notified, they had been "pretty giddy" about the prospect of the ceremony.
    Spielberg talked about his latest British based project, "
    Band of Brothers" a 10 hour mini series co produced with Tom Hanks, a fact based drama about an airborn division stationed in Britain during World War II. The series will air on US cable station HBO in September 2001.
    He also spoke of his highly anticipated movie " A.I " ( Articificial Intelligence) due for a US release in June 2001, a project he discussed collaborating with, then inherited from, the late director Stanley Kubrick. The movie will star child actor Haley Joel Osment (The 6th Sense) and British actor Jude Law (The Talented Mr Ripley).
    Finally, Spielberg said that he was looking forward to his next Royal Film Premiere in Britain , where he would thank the Queen personally.
    Spielberg joins an elite group of honorees including Presidents Reagan and Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, entertainer Bob Hope and Conductor Andre Previn. Americans admitted to the Orders of Chivalry, which date from the Medieval era, cannot style themselves "Sir". Steven Spielberg will be entitled instead to place the initials K.B.E. after his name.
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