Helen Mirren and Judi Dench had better watch out, because there’s a new Oscar-winning dame in the British Empire.
Queen Elizabeth II has made Angelina Jolie an honorary dame in the annual British Honors, which mark the Queen’s official birthday, TheWrap has learned.
The ‘dame’ name is one of Britain’s highest honors, and Jolie was declared worthy of the honorary title for her efforts in raising global awareness about violence against women as the co-founder of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative.
Because Jolie is not a British citizen, she cannot be addressed as “dame,” so don’t expect to see her name changed for the credits of her upcoming feature “Unbroken.”
“To receive an honor related to foreign policy means a great deal to me, as it is what I wish to dedicate my working life to. Working on PVSI and with survivors of rape is an honor in itself. I know that succeeding in our goals will take a lifetime, and I am dedicated to it for all of mine,” Jolie said in a statement.
Jolie is a U.N. special envoy whose tireless service to U.K. foreign policy earned her the special recognition.
She’s not the only Oscar-winning actor to have been honored Friday, as Daniel Day-Lewis was also awarded a knighthood from the Queen.