The 2025 New Year Honours list has shone the spotlight on remarkable figures from the arts and culture sectors, with recognitions awarded to more than 100 individuals for their significant contributions. Among the distinguished honorees are Leena Nair, CEO of Chanel, and celebrated makeup artist Lisa Eldridge, both acknowledged for their influential roles within their industries.
Leena Nair received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her work with the global luxury brand. Since taking the helm at Chanel in 2022, she has strived to integrate sustainability and innovation within the retail and beauty sectors, championing conscientious practices.
Lisa Eldridge, renowned for her makeup artistry and as Lancôme’s global creative director, was awarded the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH)—a prestigious accolade celebrating her transformative impact on British fashion and beauty. Reflecting on the honor, Eldridge stated, "To have my work honored in this way means more to me than I can put it words. I’m so grateful to my friends, family, clients, and community for their continued support.”
The awards extended beyond the fashion and beauty realms, with notable honorees including Gabriele Finaldi, director of the National Gallery, who was knighted, alongside Rebecca Salter, the first woman to lead the Royal Academy of Arts, receiving a CBE. Former president of the Society of London Theatre, Eleanor Lloyd, was recognized with the OBE for her contributions to the theatre sector during the turbulent pandemic years. Lloyd commented, “Theatre is a team sport, and it is only right, in this moment, to acknowledge the many tenacious people who shared their time, encouragement, and wisdom.”
The list also features celebrated actor and cultural campaigner Stephen Fry, who was awarded his knighthood for advocacy in mental health awareness and environmental issues. Ever the humorist, Fry took to Instagram to share his excitement, saying, "I’m delighted, surprised, thrilled, overwhelmed and excited" to receive such recognition.
Broadcasting and literature saw significant representation, with recipients such as author Alan Hollinghurst and Loyd Grossman, who advocates for cultural heritage, both receiving knighthoods. Grossman relayed his enthusiasm, noting, "It’s wonderful to be honoured for something... it’s been so much fun and so rewarding.”
The 2025 honours reflect a growing recognition of the arts, with the total number of recipients swelling to nearly 120—an increase from 90 honorees last year. This uptick underlines the importance placed on creative industries, especially following the struggles faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among this year’s notable achievements, two exceptional authors from the literary world, Kazuo Ishiguro and Jacqueline Wilson, were respectively recognized as members of the Companions of Honour and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for their distinguished contributions to literature.
Indeed, the list extends across varied fields, showcasing contributions from individuals involved with libraries, heritage, creative education, and therapeutic arts charities. Awardees from different sectors—theater, dance, and visual arts—have all received accolades, with CBEs granted to both actors Carey Mulligan and Sarah Lancashire.
Roger Glossop, founder of the Old Laundry Theatre, expressed his astonishment at receiving his honor, stating, "There’s a huge amount of luck. You have to be lucky... But we carry on in the hope it’ll get bigger." His reflection highlights the resilience shown by the arts community amid financial constraints and challenges typical within the sector.
The comprehensive list of honorees speaks to the vitality and diversity of contributions made throughout the United Kingdom’s arts and culture landscapes. Beyond simply recognizing individual accomplishments, these awards celebrate communal efforts and the collaborative spirit prevalent across the arts, particularly evident during testing times.
The recognition within this year’s 2025 New Year Honours not only values outstanding individuals but also serves as affirmation of the arts' importance to collective societal growth. The array of award recipients across genres and fields encapsulates the diverse experiences and contributions influencing modern culture.