Cinematographer Roger Deakins was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in Queen Elizabeth II’s recently released annual birthday honors list. Deakins is the first cinematographer to receive the honor of Commander.
“Gobsmacked is a word that comes to mind,” said Deakins. “I am so extremely honored to be included in such an esteemed group. It’s not something a country boy from Southwest England ever even dreams of.”
A frequent collaborator with directors Joel and Ethan Coen and Sam Mendes, Deakins has won three BAFTA film awards, three ASC awards and four BSC awards. He has also been nominated for 10 Academy awards. Among those nominations are Skyfall, True Grit, best picture winner No Country for Old Men, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Man Who Wasn’t There and The Shawshank Redemption.
Deakins is also a recipient of an ASC lifetime achievement award and a Camerimage special award for outstanding achievement in the field of the art of cinematography.
Other CBE honorees named include director Michael Attenborough and Game of Thrones star Julian Glover. Adele, whose original song Skyfall won an Oscar, was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Previously CBE appointees include actors Michael Caine, Anthony Hopkins, Roger Moore, Vanessa Redgrave and Maggie Smith; directors Richard Attenborough, Stephen Daldry, Sam Mendes and Alan Parker, as well as musical artists Elton John and Sting.