Benedict Cumberbatch wins CBE over Eddie Redmayne's OBE in Queen's Birthday Honours
HE MAY have lost out on an Oscar when rival Eddie Redmayne pipped him to the post, but Benedict Cumberbatch has won in the battle of honours by bagging a prestigious CBE.
Benedict Cumberbatch got a higher honour than Eddie Redmayne
The 38-year-old Sherlock star received a CBE from the monarch as a reward for his services to drama after it was rumoured earlier this week.
A CBE, fully known as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, is just one step below a knighthood.
Meanwhile, 33-year-old Eddie received the lesser OBE – one down from a CBE and standing for Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – despite beating Benedict at the Oscars and BAFTAs awards ceremonies earlier this year.
The two British actors led a host of famous faces who were honoured by the Queen in this year's Birthday Honours List.
Lenny Henry and Jonny Wilkinson were also honoured this year
Lenny Henry, 56, who co-founded Comic Relief with 58-year-old comic scriptwriter Richard Curtis in 1985, received a knighthood for his services to charity.
In the past three decades, Comic Relief has raised more than £1billion for disadvantaged children and world-wide poverty.
The comedian spoke of being honoured earlier this week, and said the accolade felt like "being filled with lemonade".
American actor Kevin Spacey, 55, and the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Van Morrison, 69, received knighthoods.
England rugby star Jonny Wilkinson received a CBE after it was falsely reported that he would be honoured last year.
Van Morrison and Kevin Spacey received knighthoods