British actor Gary Oldman has added another accolade to his glittering career, receiving a knighthood from Prince William at Windsor Castle.
The 67-year-old star — famous for his chameleon-like ability to disappear into roles — described the moment as one of the most moving of his life.
“It was emotional. Very emotional,” Oldman said after the ceremony. “It’s a singular event. The Oscar pales in comparison. This is something else entirely.”
Oldman’s knighthood was conferred for services to drama, recognising a career that has spanned nearly five decades. For him, the setting and the man bestowing the honour made it even more meaningful.
“It was particularly special that it was the Prince of Wales,” he shared. “We talked about films, of course. He mentioned The Fifth Element and Darkest Hour. And I know he’s a fan of Slow Horses. He said he loves the show.”
In true Oldman style, there was room for humour. The Prince, a huge Harry Potter fan, admitted that whenever he sees Oldman on screen as Jackson Lamb — the slovenly, brilliant spy boss in Slow Horses — “I just want to give you a good wash.” Oldman chuckled:
“Well, I think I scrubbed up OK today.”
A life in character
From Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour (for which he won an Academy Award) to Sirius Black in Harry Potter and Commissioner Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, Oldman has created some of cinema’s most memorable characters.
Reflecting on his latest success with Slow Horses, Oldman said:
“Jackson Lamb is one of the most enjoyable jobs I’ve had in 47 years doing this. He’s repulsive, rude, self-destructive — but also loyal, funny and incredibly smart. He’s a gift of a character.”
On the legacy of Sirius Black
Fans of Harry Potter will be delighted to know Oldman still thinks fondly of his time as Sirius Black. He joked that while some have suggested he might reprise the role or even take on Dumbledore in future spin-offs, time has caught up.
“I’m too old for Sirius Black,” he laughed. “I loved those films and loved being part of that world, but it belongs to another generation now.”
A knight’s humility
Despite the global fame, Oldman remains deeply grounded. He told reporters the knighthood left him feeling reflective and grateful.
“To stand there and receive this honour, it made me think of everyone along the way — my family, the people who took chances on me, the audiences who’ve followed my work. It’s not something you ever imagine when you’re starting out as a young actor in London.”
For fans, the knighthood is a fitting recognition of a career built on transformation, depth and passion. And for Oldman himself?
“This one stays with you forever. You don’t get many days like this.”