Gary Oldman, the acclaimed actor known for his diverse roles, will attend his investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, September 30. The 67-year-old Born Free hitmaker will be honoured with a knighthood. This honor acknowledges his broad and deep contributions to film and television over an extraordinary career that has spanned more than four decades. He’s looking forward to sharing the spotlight with his fellow honorees. Actress Samantha Morton will be awarded for her exceptional services to drama, and footballer Rachel Daly for extraordinary services to football.
Speaking from the Televerse Festival in Los Angeles this August, Oldman confirmed that the preparations for his investiture were well underway. He was really excited about getting to do it! Before coming up for the festival, he had a fitting for a Paul Smith suit. His performance as MI5’s Jackson Lamb in Apple TV+’s “Slow Horses” has earned him raves across the board. It is a role that has earned him the respect of a new generation of viewers and members of the royal household.
A Career of Distinction
Oldman’s huge filmography includes past classics such as “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “The Darkest Hour,” “Harry Potter,” and “Batman.” This unique variety of work, among many other roles, has undoubtedly made him one of the industry’s most multi-faceted performers. His performance as Sir Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour earned him an Academy Award in 2018. This stunning feat cemented his position as one of the most promising talents in the industry.
Reflecting on his upcoming honor, Oldman said, “To be included in the long lineage of extraordinary actors, artists, and others who hold this title fills me.” For this reason and many others, his contributions have resonated with audiences worldwide, making him one of the most respected figures in the artistic community and beyond.
Recognition from Royalty
Speaking during an earlier visit with Queen Camilla, Oldman remembered her asking about additional accolades. He noted, “The Queen said to me, ‘Are there any more?’ I’m led to believe that they like ‘Slow Horses‘.” This comment serves to illuminate both the depth of his creative work and the royal family’s respect for modern-day narrative forms.
Oldman’s business partner, Douglas Urbanski, has taken the knighthood in stride. He jocularly calls him “SG”—which in this case means Sir Gary. This hint at mischief is a testament to the love and friendship encircling Oldman as he draws close to this extraordinary achievement at the end of his professional life.
Emotional Reflections
As he prepares for the investiture, Oldman reflected on his late mother, stating, “I thought about her because I think she would’ve been absolutely chuffed with this. In terms of just really processing it, I haven’t had a minute really.” His emotional connection to this honor underscores its significance not only for him but for those who have supported him throughout his journey.
