HOLLYWOOD actors Kenneth Branagh and Kate Winslet and Take That star Gary Barlow are among the celebrities in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
The list also includes actresses Jenny Agutter and Amanda Redman and chart-topping choirmaster Gareth Malone as well as the designer of the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress.
It also sees the re-introduction of the British Empire Medal (BEM), often described as the "working-class gong", which was revived by David Cameron in a reversal of John Major's decision to scrap it because it clashed with his idea of a classless society.
BEM recipients include former boxer Terry Downes, as well as Geoff Hopkinson, who gets the award for services to beekeeping.
Oscar-nominated Branagh, who starred in the Harry Potter films, has been awarded a knighthood for his services to drama and to the community of Northern Ireland.
The Belfast-born actor, director and screenwriter, said: "My heart's fit to burst."
The 51-year-old added: "When I was a kid I dreamed of pulling on a shirt for the Northern Ireland football team. I could only imagine how proud you might feel. Today it feels like they just gave me the shirt."
The honour comes months after he was nominated for an Oscar and a Bafta for his role as Sir Laurence Olivier in My Week With Marilyn.
Oscar-winner Winslet said she was surprised, but deeply proud, to be awarded a CBE. The star of Titanic, who has been one of Britain's most consistently successful screen figures, has been recognised for her services to drama.
Winslet, 36, said: "I am both surprised and honoured to stand alongside so many men and woman who have achieved great things for our country.
"And I feel deeply proud to receive this, as a part of an ever-expanding community of British actors and film-makers who are fortunate enough to be able to contribute to an international industry. This makes me very proud to be a Brit."
Singer Barlow, who was widely tipped for an honour after his involvement in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, received an OBE for services to the entertainment industry and to charity.
The 41-year-old masterminded and sang in the star-studded Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace and also co-wrote the official song, Sing.
Barlow, who also wrote chart hits Patience and Back For Good, claimed he had never dreamt of such an honour.
He said: "I'm absolutely thrilled and feel very privileged to be in the company of so many brilliant people who I know have received an OBE.
"Growing up I never dreamt that one day I'd be getting one myself. I enjoy every minute of the work I do, with a lot of it being a reward in itself, so for somebody to decide I should get recognised for that is just amazing."
Sarah Burton – who designed the Duchess of Cambridge's striking gown for last year's Royal wedding – is another homegrown talent to receive a gong. Creative director for Alexander McQueen fashion house, Burton is recognised with an OBE for services to the fashion industry.
Choirmaster Gareth Malone, who gets an OBE for services to music, also took part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert earlier this month with his Military Wives Choir. Malone coached the choir to chart success and the coveted Christmas No.1.
Jenny Agutter, who found fame in the 1970 film The Railway Children and recently starred in the BBC1 drama Call the Midwife, receives an OBE for charitable services, while Redman, who starred in police drama New Tricks and founded the Artists Theatre School, receives an MBE.
Knighthoods also go to former Countdown stalwart Richard Stilgoe and Carphone Warehouse founder Charles Dunstone, who are both recognised for generous donations to good causes.
Lord Archer's wife Dr Mary Archer, a champion of patient care, is to become a Dame, as is former Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, for service in support of the Olympics.
A CBE also goes to The Woman in Black author Susan Hill.
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