Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman is set to receive a knighthood at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, in recognition of his extensive services to drama as part of the King's Birthday Honours. The London-born actor, now 67, has been celebrated for his remarkable versatility across a broad spectrum of roles—from portraying former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill to embodying Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols. His recent prominence includes the role of veteran MI5 agent Jackson Lamb in the Apple TV series Slow Horses, adapted from the acclaimed Slough House novels by British author Mick Herron.

Oldman’s career spans several decades and showcases a wide range of characters, such as Lee Harvey Oswald in the 1991 film JFK, the titular vampire in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), and Ludwig van Beethoven in Immortal Beloved (1994). He also gained recognition for his portrayal of Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg in The Fifth Element (1997). His directorial debut came with Nil By Mouth in 1997—a semi-autobiographical film about his childhood—which earned him BAFTA awards for outstanding British film and best original screenplay, highlighting his talents beyond acting.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Oldman became familiar to global audiences through blockbuster franchises. He portrayed Sirius Black, Harry Potter’s godfather, in the Harry Potter series, and Gotham City Police lieutenant Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. His acclaimed performance as George Smiley in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) earned him both BAFTA and Academy Award nominations. However, it wasn’t until his portrayal of Winston Churchill in The Darkest Hour that he secured his first leading actor awards, sweeping the 2018 Oscars, BAFTAs, and other prestigious honours.

Oldman is among an array of distinguished figures to be honoured in the ceremony. BAFTA-winning actress Samantha Morton will be recognised with an OBE for her services to drama and charity. Morton, who has been praised for performances in Longford and The Serpent Queen, has a diverse portfolio of critically acclaimed work that includes roles in television and film since the early 1990s. Her accolades include Golden Globe and British Independent Film Award wins, as well as two Oscar nominations. Morton has also directed and co-written TV drama such as The Unloved, which drew from her personal experiences within the British care system, garnering a BAFTA for Best Single Drama.

In the realm of sports, Rachel Daly, a key member of the England women’s football team that triumphed at the 2022 European Championship, will be made an MBE for her services to association football. The 33-year-old, who plays for Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League, retired from international football last year. Daly’s contributions on the pitch have made her a significant figure in women’s football, celebrated for her skill and leadership.

This year’s King’s Birthday Honours, bestowed during the reign of King Charles III, continue a long-standing tradition of recognising individuals who have made notable contributions to British society, spanning arts, sports, charity, and public service.

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Source: Noah Wire Services