Headline PH: Catherine Zeta-Jones honored by Queen Elizabeth II

LONDON – From Wales to Hollywood to "Chicago" — now Catherine Zeta-Jones has an appointment at Buckingham Palace.

Zeta-Jones added a royal honor to Hollywood stardom Saturday when she was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Academy Award winner is part of an eclectic list of honorees, announced to mark the queen's official birthday, that includes the founder of the Jimmy Choo footwear label and 1960s rocker Graham Nash.

Swansea, Wales-born Zeta-Jones, 40, began her career in British theater and television before moving to Hollywood and marrying actor Michael Douglas. The actress, who won a best supporting actress Oscar in 2003 for the musical "Chicago," can now put the letters CBE after her name.

"I am absolutely thrilled with this honor," Zeta-Jones said in a statement. "As a British subject, I feel incredibly proud. At the same time, it is overwhelming and humbling. And my mum and dad are delighted beyond belief."

Ronald Harwood, 75, a screenwriter whose films include "The Dresser" and the Oscar-winning "The Pianist," becomes Sir Ronald with the award of a knighthood.

"It's more exciting than the Oscar because of the secrecy that's involved," said Harwood, who learned of his honor six weeks ago but was not allowed to tell anyone. "The Oscar is a sudden shock, you take it all in and people make a fuss. But this feels like a very big event."

By JILL LAWLESS,
Associated Press Writer

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