Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan, 54, and his wife, producer Emma Thomas, 53, have been knighted and made a dame, respectively, by King Charles III.
The honours were conferred during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, marking a significant recognition of their contributions to the film industry.
The British-American director, renowned for his thought-provoking and visually stunning films, shared that King Charles III revealed during the ceremony that he had watched Nolan's latest biopic, Oppenheimer.
The Royal Family’s official social media account celebrated the couple’s achievements with a jubilant announcement.
They said the couple were recognised for their extraordinary contribution to film, with their partnership producing major blockbusters such as The Dark Knight trilogy and Oppenheimer.
"Arise, Sir Christopher Nolan and Dame Emma Thomas! Congratulations to all who received honours during today’s Investiture ceremonies, including film director Christopher Nolan and film producer Emma Thomas," the royal family said.
Nolan and Thomas are a powerhouse duo in the film industry, whose professional collaboration has brought some of the most iconic and influential films to the screen.
Together, they have produced critically and commercially successful films such as 'The Dark Knight Trilogy', which redefined the superhero genre, 'Inception', a mind-bending journey through dreams, and 'Oppenheimer', a gripping biopic about the father of the atomic bomb.
Thomas made history as the first British producer to win the Oscar for Best Picture, a testament to her role behind the camera. Their work has not only reshaped modern cinema but has also earned widespread acclaim for pushing the boundaries of storytelling, blending intellectual depth with blockbuster entertainment.
What are Knighthood and Damehood?
Knighthood and Damehood are prestigious honours bestowed by the British monarch to recognise extraordinary contributions to society, including arts, sciences, charity, and public service.
Those who receive these titles are addressed as "Sir” or "Dame” and join an elite group of individuals celebrated for their exceptional achievements. In Nolan and Thomas's case, these titles highlight their global influence in film, innovation in cinematic storytelling, and dedication to their craft.
The recognition from King Charles III shows the profound impact Nolan and Thomas have had on cinema.
With a legacy of films that challenge audiences intellectually and emotionally, the couple’s knighthood and damehood are fitting honours for two luminaries who have elevated the art of filmmaking to unprecedented heights.