Star Trek and X-Men star Patrick Stewart and The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson have both been knighted in the 2010 New Years Honours lists announced today.

Stewart has been honoured for his services to drama. He told BBC News he was "very proud" of the award. "In particular the past six years have given me acting opportunities that at one time I could not have imagined possible," he added. "This is an honour that embraces those actors, directors and creative teams who have in these recent years helped fill my life with inspiration, companionship and sheer fun."

Jackson was knighted in his native New Zealand, the first time the honour has been granted since 2000. The citation notes that since receiving the Order of Merit in 2002, he has "continued to excel in and significantly contribute to the New Zealand film industry."