HONORARY U.K. KNIGHTHOOD SET FOR SPIELBERG

December 29, 2001 - LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) --- Steven Spielberg has been tapped to receive an honorary knighthood at a Jan. 29 ceremony at the British Embassy in Washington.

The award recognizes Spielberg's contributions to the entertainment industry as well as the British film industry during the past 25 years. Spielberg will receive the honor from the British ambassador on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, who will not be present at the ceremony.

The filmmaker has used Britain as a backdrop for several of his works, including "Saving Private Ryan," "Empire of the Sun" and the upcoming HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers," which Spielberg is producing.

Marvin Levy, Spielberg's publicist, told The Hollywood Reporter that Spielberg is honored and humbled by the distinction.

"He has always had a wonderful feeling of respect for the British -- both the people and the British film industry," Levy said. "He has made many number of films there and has spent a great deal of time there over the years."

Spielberg will receive the Insignia of a Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Americans who receive this honor are not addressed as "Sir" but may use the letters KBE (Knight of the British Empire) after their names.

Honorary knighthoods are bestowed by the queen on the advice of the foreign secretary to those who have made an important contribution to relations between their country and Britain. Other recent American recipients of honorary knighthoods include Bob Hope, Secretary of State designate Colin Powell, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf and former presidents George Bush and Ronald Reagan.

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