AceShowbiz - Singer Annie Lennox has been awarded an Order of the British Empire medal (OBE) in Queen Elizabeth II's New Year's Honors list. The former Eurythmics star has been honored for her longterm charitable work, raising awareness of Aids in Africa.

She says, "I'm genuinely honored. As somewhat of a renegade, it either means I've done something terribly right - or they've done something terribly wrong. I was never much of one to win prizes, and certainly never placed too much value on their acquisition. Therefore, I take this as more of an appreciation for the gentle turning of the years for someone who's enormously grateful for being able to breathe more or less freely in a totally insane world."

"In any case, whatever powers-that-be have deemed me worthy of such a recognition, I'm getting my fake leopard pillbox hat dusted and ready (for a meeting with the Queen)."

"Pink Panther" star Burt Kwouk, folk musician Richard Thompson and Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell have also been awarded OBEs. Other stars honored on the prestigious list include veteran actors Sheila Hancock and David Suchet, as well as record producer Trevor Horn and designer Katharine Hamnett, who all become Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBEs).

Meanwhile, thespian Harriet Walter becomes a dame, as does respected historian Antonia Fraser.