American Kevin Spacey has said he was "honoured and humbled by such recognition from the Queen”, after being included in this year’s birthday honours list. The actor has been given an honorary knighthood by the monarch, after serving as the artistic director of the Old Vic theatre for over a decade.

Kevin SpaceyKevin Spacey has been given an honorary knighthood.

Spacey was recognised for his 'services to British theatre and international culture'. Accepting the honour he told the BBC, "I must thank the British public for being so supportive of my efforts on behalf of the Old Vic. I feel like an adopted son.”

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The Oscar winner took over as the Old Vic's artistic director in 2003 and helped turn the fortunes around of the once struggling theatre. In April the 55 year old was presented with a special award by Dame Judi Dench at the Olivier Awards for his work with the institution. Days later he was also honoured at a special gala event at the theatre which celebrated his tenure there.

Also receiving a knighthood is singer Van Morrison for his services to the music industry and tourism in Northern Ireland. The 69 year old singer from Belfast is one of the 33 men announced as receiving a knighthood this year. Comedian Lenny Henry is also to be made a Sir for his work co-founding charity Comic Relief.

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Actor Eddie Redmayne has been made an OBE after his Oscar winning performance as scientist Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. West End star Michael Ball will also receive the title his services to musical theatre. Also gaining some new lettering are Benedict Cumberbatch and his 12 Years a Slave co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor who were both made CBEs for their services to drama.