USA: STEVEN SPIELBERG IS AWARDED HONORARY KNIGHTHOOD FOR HIS FILM CAREER ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC

Record ID: 788074

  • Title: USA: STEVEN SPIELBERG IS AWARDED HONORARY KNIGHTHOOD FOR HIS FILM CAREER ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC
  • Date: 30th January 2001
  • Summary: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (JANUARY 29, 2001) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) SCU (SOUNDBITE) (English) JOHN BURMAN SAYING "He spent a lot of time shooting films in England, in the UK. "Saving Private Ryan" and several other films have been shot there. He has a good relationship with people there, and I think that's what this award is partially for."
  • Embargoed: 14th February 2001 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: VARIOUS FILM LOCATIONS / LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVAAO7MRLRNFS3KYGX7N1L6AXMPM
  • Story Text: As famed film director Steven Spielberg receives an honorary knighthood from the British government, industry experts reflect on the importance of the man responsible for "Jaws," E.T," "Schindler's List," and "Saving Private Ryan."
    Acclaimed director Steven Spielberg has received one of the world's top honors. The Hollywood mogul was given the Insignia of a Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in Washington D.C., Monday (January 29) night.
    The honorary Knighthood recognizes Spielberg's extraordinary contribution to the entertainment industry over the last twenty-five years, and was be presented at a dinner held by the British Ambassador, Sir Christopher Meyer. Sir Christopher officially bestowed the honor; though Knighthoods are traditionally conferred by the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II will not be on hand for the occasion.
    "I think the knighthood for him shows he is someone who is translated around the world beyond what anyone excepted some twenty odd years-ago," said John Burman, international editor of the industry trade magazine The Hollywood Reporter.
    Spielberg has won two Academy Awards for directing "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan." "Schindler's List" was also given the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1993.
    His other films include "Jaws," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind,"
    "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,"
    "Empire of the Sun," and "Amistad."
    His other honors include a Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute, the Defense Department Public Service Award, and the Army's Distinguished Civilian Service Award for "Schindler's List."
    The honorary knighthood title is awarded on merit, for exceptional achievement or service. Honorary knights are usually non-British citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the country of Great Britain.
    Americans admitted to membership of British orders of Chivalry do not style themselves "Sir". Steven Spielberg will, however, be entitled to place the letters KBE after his name. Other recent recipients of honorary British Knighthoods include former Presidents George Bush and Ronald Reagan, Secretary of State Colin Powell, General Norman Schwartzkopf and Bob Hope.
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