Catherine Zeta-Jones gets royal treatment

From Wales to Hollywood to "Chicago" - now Catherine Zeta-Jones has an appointment at Buckingham Palace.

Zeta-Jones added a royal honor to Hollywood stardom when she was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire yesterday by Queen Elizabeth II in London, The Associated Press reports.

The Academy Award winner is part of an eclectic list of honorees, announced to mark the queen's official birthday. Others include Tamara Mellon, the founder of the Jimmy Choo footwear label, and 1960s rocker Graham Nash.

Wales-born Zeta-Jones, 40, began her career in British theater and television before moving to Hollywood and marrying Michael Douglas. The actress, who won a best supporting actress Oscar in 2003 for "Chicago," can now put the letters CBE after her name.

"I am absolutely thrilled with this honor," Zeta-Jones said in a statement. "As a British subject, I feel incredibly proud. At the same time, it is overwhelming and humbling."

Ronald Harwood, 75, a screenwriter whose films include "The Dresser" and the Oscar-winning "The Pianist," will become Sir Ronald.

"It's more exciting than the Oscar because of the secrecy that's involved," said Harwood, who learned of his knighthood honor six weeks ago but was not allowed to tell anyone.

Actress Sophie Okenedo, 41, Oscar nominated for "Hotel Rwanda," was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE.

The list also sees a couple of musical rebels join the establishment. John Cale, 68, one of the founders of experimental '60s rock group The Velvet Underground, was named an OBE, as was musician Nash, 68, co-founder of Crosby, Stills and Nash.

"I have been a writer for most of my life but I could never have written this script," Nash said.

Restaurateur Prue Leith, 70, and food writer Marguerite Patten, 94, who both helped Britain shake a dire culinary reputation, received CBEs.

Britain's honors are bestowed twice a year by the monarch - on her official birthday in June and on New Year's Day - but recipients are selected by committees of civil servants from nominations made by the government and the public.