Robert Plant picks up U.K. honor

Michael Sheen also feted by government

By LEO BARRACLOUGH

Robert Plant, former frontman of Led Zeppelin, was named a commander of the order of the British empire.

Rock singer Robert Plant, jazz musician Courtney Pine, film producer Jeremy Thomas and actor Michael Sheen have been honored by the U.K. government.

Plant, the former frontman of Led Zeppelin, saxophonist Pine and Thomas, whose credits include “The Last Emperor” and “Sexy Beast,” were named commanders of the order of the British empire, one of several awards handed out in the new year.

Receiving the same honor were actor Earl Cameron and opera singer Michael Chance.

Sheen, who played former Prime Minister Tony Blair in “The Queen” and David Frost in “Frost/Nixon,” was named an officer of the order of the British empire.

Sheen, who will receive his award from Queen Elizabeth II -- along with the others on the list, said, “It’ll be nice to meet the real Queen at last.”

Singer-songwriter John Martyn was also named an officer of the order of the British empire.

Actress Liz Smith was named a member of the order of the British empire.

Jennifer Abramsky, former head of BBC radio, was made a dame, the female equivalent to a knighthood.