Steven Spielberg accepts the best director Oscar for "Saving Private Ryan," during the 71st Annual Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Los Angeles Music Center, Sunday, March 21, 1999. Spielberg is to be knighted by Britain, an honor conferred on those who have made an important contribution to relations with the country. "The award of an honorary knighthood recognizes Steven Spielberg's extraordinary contribution to the entertainment industry and the British film industry overthe last 25 years," the British Embassy said Thursday. The director will receive the honor from ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II at a Jan. 29, 2001 ceremony in Washington. (AP Photo/Eric Draper)