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Film visionary Sanford Lieberson awarded honorary CBE

Film pioneer Sanford (Sandy) Lieberson presented today with an honorary CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey made the award in recognition of his services to the film industry.

Sandy has been a major figure in the film industry since the 60s; starting out as an agent to Sergio Leone, Peter Sellers, Richard Harris and the Rolling Stones, before going on to produce some of the most significant films of the 70s, including Performance (1970), Stardust (1974), and Mahler (1974).

After roles as President of Production at 20th Century Fox, President of MGM International and Head of the Producing Department at the National Film and Television School, Sandy was appointed inaugural Chair of Film London’s board of directors in 2003. For eight years he helped to shape and drive forward the body charged with representing and developing the film industry in the UK capital.  He has used his vast experience and connections to establish the Microwave Film Fund and the Artists Moving Image Network, as well as bringing more of the international film industry to London and to make film as accessible as possible to the public and communities of London.

He continues to advise and contribute to a wide range of organisations and projects dedicated to the development of talent and skill in the film and media industries. His most recent production is Voices of a Generation, currently being broadcast on Sky Arts.

Ed Vaizey said:

“It gives me great pleasure to present this honorary CBE to Sandy Lieberson. His practical hands-on involvement in Film London played a key role in helping to shape and drive the organisation, establishing it as far more than a regional agency. Through this work he has helped to cement London’s status as one of the film capitals of the world.”

Sandy Lieberson said:

“London is home to the most vibrant and innovative film and media industry and it has given me great satisfaction to be part of it for most of my professional life.  There are so many who deserve recognition and honours so I feel very lucky to have been chosen to receive the C.B.E.”

Notes to Editors

  1. Individuals who are not UK citizens or citizens of Commonwealth countries of which The Queen is Head of State are eligible to be considered for honorary awards for their services to the UK. It is not customary for The Queen to present honorary awards. The insignia of honorary awards for candidates resident in the UK are normally presented by the Government minister appropriate to the service rendered.

  2. A photo from the presentation is available to download from the DCMS Flickr photostream.

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Published 10 September 2012