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Britain gives Spielberg honorary Knighthood
Reuters
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WASHINGTON:
Britain awarded filmmaker Steven Spielberg an honorary knighthood
on Monday to recognize his "unique and outstanding contribution
to international film," said British Ambassador Sir Christopher
Meyer.
Spielberg,
whose films include "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Jurassic
Park" and "Schindler's List," received the
honor during a brief but festive ceremony at the British Embassy
in Washington after a private dinner for his family and friends.
The beaming director said he was surprised by the honor --
which he believed was reserved for only British subjects --
and initially thought it was an elaborate ruse by someone
trying to get him to read a movie script. "The truth
is, I stand before you now and I'm -- a knight," he said.
"This is the stuff that all of our childhood fantasies
come from. You know, courtliness, civility and honor."
Meyer said Britain gave Spielberg, an American citizen, the
honorary knighthood because of his great impact on Britain's
film industry over the past 25 years.
"The
award of an honorary knighthood to Steven Allan Spielberg
is 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 that Spielberg's films, which also include "ET"
and "Saving Private Ryan" 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.
"EPITOMY
OF CULTURAL PARTNERSHIP" BETWEEN U.K. AND U.S.
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." A tuxedo-clad Spielberg came to the
festive event with his actress wife Kate Capshaw, and guests
included Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former first lady
and new Democratic senator from New York; actress Holly Hunter
and Sen. John Warner, a Virginia Republican.
Spielberg
joins Secretary of State Colin Powell, former President George
Bush and entertainer Bob Hope as other Americans who have
received Britain's honorary knighthood. In a brief acceptance
speech, Spielberg paid homage to British filmmakers who have
influenced his work, including Alfred Hitchcock, Lord Attenborough
and Carol Reed. Spielberg is also due to receive a star on
the Hollywood Walk of Fame sometime in the next year. Reuters
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