Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Renowned actor Idris Elba has been knighted in the 2026 New Year Honours list by King Charles III.
The announcement, made in late December 2025, officially grants the 53-year-old actor the title "Sir Idris."
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This prestigious award recognizes his dedication and significant contributions to young people, as well as his persistent activism in combating knife violence across the UK.
The knighthood highlights Idris Elba's significant role off-screen, particularly in charitable endeavors and social advocacy.
While widely known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Luther," this award specifically recognizes his extensive charitable work.
Sir Idris has been a leading voice in the fight against youth violence, with a focus on preventing the rise in knife crime in the UK.
“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.”
Idris Elba's Dedication to the Anti Knife Violence Campaign
Idris Elba has long been a vocal advocate for youth empowerment and a leading campaigner against knife crime in the UK.
One of his key initiatives is the "Don't Stop Your Future" (DSYF) campaign, which collaborates with grassroots community organizations to knife crime.
In January 2024, as part of the DSYF campaign, a symbolic exhibition was held in London's Parliament Square.
The exhibition featured stacks of neatly folded clothing, each representing an individual who died due to knife crime.
One of the garments on display was even donated by the family of a murdered teenager, and was worn at the time of his death, creating a profound emotional impact.
Sir Idris's commitment to tackling youth violence intensified in 2024 when he publicly called for an immediate ban on machetes and "zombie" knives.
This advocacy led him to meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to launch a new anti-knife crime coalition.
He also called for increased funding for youth services, citing significant funding cuts since 2010/11 and their correlation with the rise in youth violence.
As part of this initiative, Idris released a song titled "Knives Down" to raise awareness and give a voice to those affected by knife crime.
He also appeared in the BBC documentary "Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis," in which he explored the root causes of the rising trend in knife crime through conversations with young offenders, bereaved families, youth workers, and police.
Elba Hope Foundation and Community Empowerment
With his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Sir Idris founded the Elba Hope Foundation, an international grant-making charity.
The foundation is committed to investing in projects that promote "empowerment through education, economic opportunity, and entrepreneurship."
The foundation's primary focus is supporting community empowerment, education, youth advocacy, and sustainable development.
The Elba Hope Foundation operates in various regions, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Africa, with the aim of creating a global impact.
Sir Idris's Partnerships and Social Impact
In 2024, Sir Idris's foundation partnered with The Prince's Trust to launch the Creative Futures program.
This project offers free courses designed to equip young people with the skills and confidence needed to pursue careers, training, or entrepreneurship in the creative industries.
This collaboration holds personal significance for the London-born actor, who himself received support from The Prince's Trust during his teenage years.
Creative Futures targets young people who are not currently in employment, education, or training, opening pathways into fields such as music, theater, and the arts.
He has maintained a close relationship with The Prince's Trust throughout his career, even serving as an ambassador for The King's Trust.