Universal Pictures Chairman Donna Langley Named to Queen's 2020 New Year's Honors List

Donna Langley, chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and the first British woman to head a major film studio, has been named a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the annual Queen’s honors list for 2020.

The title is the second most senior among Britain’s seven orders of chivalry.

In a statement announcing the New Year’s honors, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth office cited Langley’s accomplishment, including being “responsible for the global content strategy and business operations for the motion picture group,” and overseeing production, distribution and marketing for Universal Pictures, DreamWorks animation and Focus Features.

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“Throughout her life and career, Donna Langley has redefined global popular culture and sought to expand networks and opportunities for women and people of colour in the entertainment industry, while also championing organizations dedicated to providing access, networks and pathways to success, for all people,” the announcement said.

Langley has been with Universal since 2001, and became chairwoman of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group earlier this year. During her time at the studio, she’s overseen huge successes for Universal, including the “Fast and Furious” franchise, and securing an exclusive five-year deal with Jordan Peele and Monkeypaw Productions.

Read more about this year’s list of honorees here.

Dr. Seuss Major Movie and TV Adaptations, Ranked From Worst to First (Photos)

Oh, the places you'll go. Dr. Seuss's legacy runs far and wide, with his children's stories being adapted into cartoons and live action films alike. Here we rank all 10 of Seuss's film features and beloved TV specials.
Al Ravenna, New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer - Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection.
10. "The Cat in the Hat" (2003)

The live action adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic book is insultingly awful, trading in gleeful whimsy for madcap cynicism. Mike Myers is goofing off instead of playing a charming scamp.
Universal Pictures
9. "The Lorax" (2012)

As a fable, "The Lorax" is about as dark and complicated as Dr. Seuss gets. This light and colorful animated film featuring Danny DeVito and Taylor Swift, which is a combination of "Minions" meets "WALL-E," certainly isn't that.
Universal Pictures
8. "The Butter Battle Book" (1989)

This short is faithful to Dr. Seuss's work. It's a story about two rival races of people divided by a wall, based on their differences over how they butter their bread. But the songs are flat, and the animation isn't much better.
Turner
7. "Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000)

Though it's incredibly cheesy and the Whoville makeup is a joke, Jim Carrey brings his overly-exuberant charm to the story, even if he looks a bit silly.
Universal Pictures
6. "The Grinch" (2018)

Taking cues from the cutesy "Despicable Me" movies, Universal's "The Grinch" with Benedict Cumberbatch has more elaborate animated mayhem than grouchy, mean-spirited fun and wordplay. The inoffensive charm is there, but the film's heart is two sizes too small.
Universal Pictures
5. "The Lorax" (1972)

"The Lorax" begins and ends in a grim, polluted world, using music and rhyme to chart how industry can harm the environment. Its message remains poignant and hopeful that a new generation can save nature.
CBS
4. "Horton Hears a Who" (2008)

The best of the modern Dr. Seuss adaptations, Jim Carrey voices another Seuss character for this delightful, madcap romp.
20th Century Fox Animation Studios
3. "The Cat in the Hat" (1971)

"Everything back in its proper place, no more rainbows for us to chase." This version of "The Cat in the Hat" takes some liberties, but it lovingly and musically captures the spirit of Dr. Seuss's iconic character.
CBS
2. "Horton Hears a Who" (1970)

"A person's a person, no matter how small." This Chuck Jones-directed TV special is beautifully animated, faithful to the story of acceptance of everyone and a joy from start to finish.
MGM
1. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966)

The songs are indelible, the lessons are heartwarming and the animation is impeccable. "The Grinch" isn't just the best Dr. Seuss adaptation, but one of the finest animated shorts of all time.
MGM

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Universal’s ”The Grinch“ opens Friday, Nov. 9

Oh, the places you'll go. Dr. Seuss's legacy runs far and wide, with his children's stories being adapted into cartoons and live action films alike. Here we rank all 10 of Seuss's film features and beloved TV specials.

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Dr. Seuss Major Movie and TV Adaptations, Ranked From Worst to First (Photos)

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