Theatrical honours in the 2015 New Year Honours List

DAME (DBE)
Actress Kristin Scott Thomas, widely known for her film roles, including an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for 'The English Patient'. Scott Thomas was recently seen on the London stage in 'Electra' at the Old Vic Theatre, and returns to the West End in April to play Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience. Actress Joan Collins, who is now best known for her role as Alexis Carrington in the long-running US television soap opera 'Dynasty'.

CBE
Actress and writer Meera Syal, best known for her roles in BBC comedies 'Goodness Gracious Me' and 'The Kumars at No.42'. Syal is currently appearing in Behind The Beautiful Forevers at the Olivier, National Theatre.

OBE
Actor and writer James Corden, who was critically acclaimed for his role in 'One Man, Two Guvnors' in the West End and on Broadway, and is also known for co-writing and starring in BBC comedy 'Gavin and Stacey'. Corden will be taking over as host of late-night US talk show 'The Late Late Show' in March. Actress Sheridan Smith, recently seen playing Cilla Black on ITV and last appeared in the West End at the Noel Coward Theatre in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in 2013. Actress Emily Watson, who received Best Actress Academy Award nominations for both 'Breaking the Waves' (1996) and 'Hilary and Jackie' (1998).

Knighthood
Actor John Hurt becomes Sir John Hurt. He is best known for his leading roles in films such as 'The Elephant Man', 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' and 'Scandal'. Hurt is also known for his television roles, including as eccentric English writer Quentin Crisp in 'The Naked Civil Servant' and 'An Englishman in New York'.

CBE - Commander of the Order of the British Empire

OBE - Officer of the Order of the British Empire

MBE - Member of the Order of the British Empire