John Williams knighted posthumously by Queen Elizabeth II

For a 90-year-old, John Williams sure has been in the news a lot lately. From word of retirement to excitement over composing a James Bond score, the legendary composer has given his legion of fans much to talk about. But perhaps none of that can compare to his latest accomplishment, as John Williams has been being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II–after she died!

John Williams was honored “for service to film music” some time before Queen Elizabeth II died, joining a list of foreign nationals honored in 2022. He is bestowed the title of Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, commonly shortened to KBE. Other honorees include Bob Iger, who served as Disney CEO until 2020, was also knighted, for “for services to the UK/US relations.” Despite the title, neither John Williams nor Bob Iger isd designated Sir. Still, we would certainly call Williams “sir” if we were fortunate enough to meet him.

John Williams and Bob Iger were the only individuals honored with a KBE this year, although the list of other honorees was quite extensive, with climate change fighters, medical experts and trade organizers. Not bad for scoring Stepmom!

Queen Elizabeth II died earlier this month at 96. This makes John Williams, Bob Iger and the other honorees on the exclusive list of final individuals to be honored by the late queen.

John Williams has a total of 52 Academy Award nominations, including five wins. His most recent win was all the way back in 1994 for Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. His most recent nomination came for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

John Williams recently shared excerpts from his upcoming score for Indiana Jones 5, which is expected to be his last contribution to movie music.

How do you feel about John Williams being knighted? Let us know your favorite John Williams score below!