The UK government has announced that Christopher Nolan, the Oscar-winning director of "Oppenheimer," and his wife and producer Emma Thomas, will both receive knighthood and damehood respectively for their significant contributions to the film industry. Their recognition comes after their biopic about J Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb,” swept the awards season, notably at the Academy Awards earlier this month, where the movie won seven Oscars, including best film and best director. Nolan, 53, had previously been nominated for Memento, Inception, and Dunkirk.
The news of their honours came as a surprise, as such honours are typically awarded twice a year: once to commemorate the new year and again on the birthday of King Charles III, who bestows the honors. These honors are often granted for exceptional achievements, particularly in the realms of sports and the arts.
The honours are formally awarded at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, often by the UK monarch in person. However, the king is currently not undertaking any royal duties, because he is undergoing treatment for cancer.
Nolan, born in London to a British father and American mother, crossed paths with his future wife, Thomas, 53, during their time at University College London. The couple, who now have four children, jointly operate Syncopy, a production company responsible for numerous blockbuster films.
