Idris Elba has said he feels deeply honoured after being awarded a knighthood in the UK’s New Year Honours list, stressing that the recognition goes beyond his achievements on screen.
The actor received the honour “for services to young people”, something he says holds special significance for him. Speaking to Extra, Elba shared that his efforts outside cinema were what mattered most this time. “It’s a real honour to be recognised for that. Not for my acting work, but, you know, for trying to make a difference for young people,” he said.
Elba explained that he has been actively involved in raising awareness about issues faced by younger generations. “I’ve worked, you know, trying to raise as much awareness about what young people are going through, especially in the UK and other parts of the world,” he noted.
Despite his long list of accomplishments as an actor, Elba is not slowing down creatively. When asked about the idea of retirement, he suggested that it comes naturally with time. “You naturally retire … There are things that I’ve done I don’t need to do again and the things I’d like to progress towards; directing is one of them,” he said, hinting at his desire to focus more behind the camera.
The actor has also been candid about his complicated relationship with fame. In an earlier interview with Esquire UK, Elba admitted that his confident public image does not always reflect his private self. “My public persona is exactly that – it’s a public persona,” he said, adding that there are aspects of his personal life where he feels less assured and more withdrawn.
Elba went on to explain his preference for solitude. “If I like being by myself all the time, what happens when I open the door and loads of people come in? That is a challenge, and that is something I am not very good at. I prefer my own company. I function better on my own. I’m more at ease.”
On the work front, Elba's voice featured in Zootopia 2 as Officer Bogo. He was last seen in A House of Dynamite. Coming up, he has Masters of the Universe, Children of Blood and Bone, Above the Below and This is How it Goes, among other films.
