The actor tells PEOPLE he’s still the “same old Idris” despite being given knighthood

Idris Elba.Credit : Jeff Moore/PA Images via Getty

Idris Elba may be a knight now, but he says he’s still the same guy.

The actor, 53, chatted with PEOPLE about his new title while on the red carpet for the Hijack season 2 screening on Thursday, Jan. 8. Less than two weeks after it was announced that Elba was among the big names included in King Charles’ 2026 New Year Honors List, he says it is still sinking in.

“I haven’t really spoken about it, but I will say that it’s a real honor to be recognized for the work,” he explains. “Especially trying to make as much noise for young people and the things that some of them are going through. So it feels like an honor. My family is honored by it. I don’t even know how to talk about it.”

“I know people are saying, ‘Should I call you sir now? Should I curtsy?’ ” Elba laughs. “Same old Idris. Simple.”

Idris Elba and King Charles in July 2024.YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty

Each year, the King, 77, chooses people from across various industries in the U.K. to be awarded for their great achievements professionally and for supporting the community, according to the official press release.

Elba received a knighthood for services to young people after launching prominent campaigns for youth empowerment and anti-knife crime. The Luther alum and his wife, Sabrina Elba, also co-founded Elba Hope Foundation, a charity that supports diaspora communities and creates opportunities for them.

After being named in the annual tradition on Dec. 30, Sky News reported that Elba released a statement acknowledging the accolade.

“I receive this honor on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation,” he said. “I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence.”

Cynthia Erivo; Idris Elba ; Ellie Goulding.Amy Sussman/Getty; John Nacion/Variety via Getty; Arnold Jerocki/GC Images

Also on the list for 2026, which included 1,157 recipients, is Cynthia Erivo, who was honored with an MBE for services to Music and Drama. Her impressive career in the field began with her breakout role as Celie in the Broadway musical The Color Purple in 2013, and recently, her Oscar-nominated role as Elphaba in the two Wicked films.

Others recognized are Ellie Goulding, who is receiving an MBE for her work on Biodiversity and the Climate; British actress Meera Syal, who is receiving a damehood; and The Thursday Murder Club author and television presenter Richard Osman, for his services to literature and broadcasting.

According to the release, ethnic minority representation on the 2026 New Year’s Honors List has doubled from 7% last year to 14% at NY26.