New Year Honours 2021: Sheila Hancock, Toby Jones and Craig David among stars recognised on list

Make-up artist Pat McGrath was also made a dame in the list, which recognises outstanding achievements across several categories

Sheila Hancock was made a dame in this year’s New Year Honours list. Getty Images

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas star Sheila Hancock, make-up artist Pat McGrath and singer Craig David are among the arts and culture figures who have been celebrated in this year's New Year Honours list.

Hancock, 87, was made a dame in recognition of her six-decade career as a stage and screen actress, as well as for her charity efforts.

Queen Elizabeth II's New Year Honours List recognises outstanding achievements in the worlds of show business, sports and politics, as well as the contributions of a large number of everyday citizens.

Hancock said in a statement that she was flattered at the accolade, adding: “I’ve never felt myself this sort of person. It just doesn’t happen to people like me. I feel I may be lowering the tone. I feel slightly miscast, let’s put it that way.”

The honour, she said, also made her feel “an immense sense of duty”.

"I actually feel challenged by it. I feel I've got to prove something and work even harder, particularly in my charity area. I've got to earn it, as it were, now, quickly before I die."

Hancock was among several prominent personalities from the worlds of fashion, art, literature and entertainment who were recognised in the annual list, released on Wednesday.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy actor Toby Jones, who is also famous for lending his voice to the Harry Potter character Dobby, received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to drama.

Academy Award-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins, known for his work on Fargo and Skyfall, was knighted, while McGrath, one of the world's leading make-up artists, became a dame for her work in the fashion industry as well as her efforts to promote diversity.

"I am truly delighted and humbled to be given this wonderful honour. My mother's obsession with beauty and fashion ignited my passion for this amazing industry and I feel blessed to have the privilege of working with some of the most extraordinary people throughout my career," McGrath said in a statement.

Oscar-nominated Phantom Thread actress Lesley Manning – who is set to play Princess Margaret in season five The Crown – was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her contributions to drama and charity.

Locally, Sisters Grimm co-founders Pietra Mello-Pittman and Ella Spira, both of whom live in Dubai, were awarded MBEs for their services to international trade and to the creative industries.

The musicians relocated to the UAE earlier this year. They have released five songs throughout the year, including The Way Home, the music video for which was filmed at Dubai Opera, and United, which was released to commemorate the UAE's National Day.

Others celebrated in this year's list include Line of Duty screenwriter Jed Mercurio (OBE), EastEnders actress Nina Wadia (OBE), Slicker Than Your Average singer-songwriter David (MBE), Coronation Street regular Sally Dynevor (MBE), and Nigel Newton (CBE), founder of Bloomsbury Publishing.

Scroll through the gallery below to see the stars recognised in the New Year Honours: