London, UK – Acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan and his producer wife Emma Thomas were honoured at Buckingham Palace, where they received a knighthood and a damehood, respectively. The couple’s contributions to cinema, from the Dark Knight trilogy to their award-winning biopic Oppenheimer, were praised by King Charles, who shared his admiration for their work.
Nolan, 54, revealed that the King had watched and enjoyed Oppenheimer, describing it as “very gratifying” to hear such praise.
“It was very nice that he knew our work and was aware of it,” Nolan said, adding that Charles encouraged him to continue creating groundbreaking films.
Thomas, 53, echoed her husband’s sentiments, sharing her excitement over the film’s impact on younger audiences, many of whom have delved deeper into the history behind the atomic bomb after seeing the movie.
The couple, who met at University College London (UCL) and have been married since 1997, credit their partnership as the cornerstone of their success.
“Find a good partner,” Nolan advised aspiring filmmakers. “We’ve been making films ever since university, and our collaboration has been central to everything we’ve achieved.”
Thomas reflected on their journey, stating: “That core partnership in the middle of it becomes even more important as the world around you gets bigger.”
Together, they co-founded Syncopy, the production company behind blockbuster hits such as Inception, Interstellar, and Dunkirk.
Nolan and Thomas remain passionate advocates for the cinema experience. Nolan emphasized the communal power of watching films on the big screen:
“That incredible experience of watching a story unfold with a group of strangers is something truly remarkable,” he said.
Thomas added: “It’s not possible to replicate that sort of magic in your own home. We’re grateful to bring our films to audiences over the years and look forward to doing so for many more.”
The couple’s latest film, Oppenheimer, has been a monumental success, winning Best Picture at both the Oscars and the BAFTAs. The biopic portrays J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the atomic bomb, in a narrative that has sparked widespread discussion among new generations of filmgoers.
In addition to his work ethic, Nolan offered a personal tip for staying focused in a digital age:
“Put down the smartphone. You’ll find more time to think and ponder, which can be incredibly valuable.”
Nolan and Thomas have cemented their place as one of cinema’s most influential duos. With their honours from King Charles and their continued dedication to storytelling, the pair looks forward to bringing more unforgettable films to the big screen.
