Oscar-winning Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan was knighted, while his wife Emma Thomas receives a damehood

The couple, aged 54 and 53 respectively, were awarded the honor on Wednesday as part of the Investitures at Buckingham Palace.

The British-American director revealed that the King told him he had seen his latest critically acclaimed biopic.

“He said he had seen Oppenheimer and enjoyed it,” said Nolan, who wrote the screenplay for the blockbuster film about the race to create the atomic bomb.

“It was very nice that he knew our work and was aware of it, and yes, he hoped that I would take this as an encouragement to do more of it.”

The pair’s professional partnership includes the production of major blockbusters such as The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception and Oppenheimer, with Thomas becoming the first British producer to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

In a social media post, the royal family’s account welcomed the filmmakers and highlighted their sparkling careers.

“Stand up, Sir Christopher Nolan and Dame Emma Thomas!” wrote the official account.

“Congratulations to everyone who received honors at today’s Investiture ceremonies, including film director Christopher Nolan and film producer Emma Thomas.

“The pair were recognized for their extraordinary contribution to film, with their partnership producing major blockbusters such as The Dark Knight trilogy and Oppenheimer.”

The couple met at University College London, where Nolan introduced Thomas to the film society of which he was president, and married in 1997.

The pair co-founded their production company, Syncopy Inc., which has been the force behind their films since Batman Begins (2005).

Nolan’s advice to young filmmakers was to “find a good partner,” referring to his wife, with whom he has been making films since the day they met.

In March, the UK government recommended the filmmakers to an honors list by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that also included Conservative politicians and tech industry executives.

Nolan’s next film is scheduled for release on July 17, 2026 and is expected to star Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Zendaya and Anne Hathaway.

Speculations say that the film will be a remake of the 1960s TV series The Prisoner.

Speaking to Empire Magazine, Thomas said it was a “very exciting time” for herself and her director husband.

“This is the moment where the possibilities are limitless, we haven’t started thinking practical or anything,” she said.

“Oppenheimer was so absurdly successful, and we feel like we have an opportunity.”