The couple were recognised for their extraordinary contribution to film, with their partnership producing major blockbusters such as The Dark Knight trilogy and Oppenheimer.
Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan, celebrated for Oppenheimer, and his wife, producer Emma Thomas, were honored by King Charles III with a knighthood and damehood for their contributions to the film industry.
The couple, aged 54 and 53, received their honors during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
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Nolan, who penned the screenplay for the acclaimed biopic about the race to develop the atomic bomb, shared that the King mentioned he had seen the film and enjoyed it.
“It was wonderful to know that he appreciated our work and was aware of it," Nolan remarked. "He expressed hope that I would view this as encouragement to continue creating more.”
The duo's professional collaboration has resulted in the production of major blockbusters, including The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, and Oppenheimer. Notably, Thomas made history as the first British producer to win the Oscar for Best Picture.
The couple first crossed paths at University College London, where Nolan, serving as president of the film society, introduced Thomas to the group. They married in 1997.Together, they co-founded Syncopy Inc., their production company, which has been instrumental in producing their films since Batman Begins in 2005. Nolan's advice to aspiring filmmakers is to “find a good partner,” highlighting the collaborative relationship he has maintained with Thomas since their first meeting.
In March, the British government recommended the couple for honors in a list put forth by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, which also included Conservative politicians and leaders from the tech industry.
Nolan's upcoming film is set to be released on July 17, 2026, and is rumored to feature Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway. Speculation suggests it may be a remake of the 1960s television series The Prisoner.
Thomas expressed her excitement, stating it is a "very exciting time" for both her and her husband.
“This is the moment where the possibilities are sort of limitless; we haven’t started thinking about practicalities yet,” she noted. “With Oppenheimer being so incredibly successful, we feel a strong sense of opportunity.”
