OBE 'Academy moment' for producer (From Bournemouth Echo)

OBE 'Academy moment' for producer

8:47am Thursday 31st December 2009 in Entertainment News © Press Association 2011

Graham King, one of the biggest British power players in Hollywood, said becoming an OBE was like an "Academy moment".

The hairdresser and cab driver's son, who has produced films such as The Aviator, Gangs Of New York, Traffic, Blood Diamond and The Departed, said he hoped the honour would inspire others.

King, 48, said: "I was driving home through the Canyon in LA and I got a text message from my assistant telling me 'you will never believe this, you are getting an OBE'. I nearly went off the canyon. It was amazing."

He went on: "It's another surreal moment in my life. It hasn't sunk in yet. It's like an Academy moment. Except when you're making a movie you get to hear about the buzz of the film. This came completely out of nowhere."

King said he was "deeply moved to be honoured by Her Majesty the Queen".

He continued: "It is one of the proudest moments of my life and I am incredibly humbled to be joining such a distinguished group of people who have given so much within my industry.

"This is also a wonderful moment for my family, colleagues and friends who sacrifice and support me every day to allow me to do the work I do. I could not do it without their love and friendship and am so thankful to them.

"I never imagined a lad from north London would be recognised in this way for following his dream. It is an honour beyond words and a great privilege that I hope will inspire others to continue to strive towards achieving their goals and believing that everything is possible."