British actor Idris Elba has been knighted in the 2026 New Year Honours, becoming Sir Idris Elba in recognition of his charitable work with young people.

Sir Idris is among 1,157 recipients named on this year’s honours list. The 53-year-old Luther: The Fallen Sun star was honoured particularly for his efforts in tackling youth violence and supporting young people through education and empowerment initiatives.

He has led an anti-knife crime campaign in the UK and co-founded the Elba Hope Foundation with his wife, Sabrina Elba. The foundation provides grants and support to grassroots organisations working with young people across the UK, the United States and Africa.

Sir Idris was himself a beneficiary of the Prince’s Trust as a teenager, receiving a £1,500 grant that enabled him to attend the National Youth Music Theatre programme, an opportunity he has often credited as pivotal to his career. 

Of Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean heritage, Elba rose to international prominence through his role in the acclaimed TV series The Wire, before establishing a successful film career. His notable performances include Beasts of No Nation, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and The Harder They Fall, among others.

Reacting to the honour, Sir Idris said he accepted the knighthood on behalf of the young people who have inspired his work.

“I receive this honour on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience have driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation,” he said.

“I hope we can do more to highlight the importance of sustained, practical support for young people, and the shared responsibility we all have to help them find alternatives to violence.”