Nigerian-born British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the Duke of Cambridge during an official ceremony held at Buckingham Palace in London on Tuesday in recognition of his services for drama.
The 38-year-old 12 Years a Slave star was awarded an OBE in 2008. The actor, who grew up in north London, has an illustrious career, receiving an Oscar nomination and winning a BAFTA in 2013 for his moving performance in 12 Years A Slave. He got his start by joining the National Youth Theatre and training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, which helped him land his first major role in Steven Spielberg’s Amistad.
Chiwetel has also boasted roles in the likes of Dirty Pretty Things and Half Of A Yellow Sun, and will next be seen in Secret In Their Eyes opposite Nicole Kidman. He’s also earned high praise for treading the boards in London, taking the lead in Othello at the Donmar Warehouse and starring in a recent production of Everyman at the National.
His sister, CNN presenter Zain Asher, recently discussed his CBE glory in an interview with the network, saying her talented brother has always dreamed of acting. The Investiture ceremony also saw Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond presented with a CBE, while footballer Frank Lampard was awarded an OBE.
