In considering the greatest honors people aspire to achieve as recognition for their life's work, being appointed "Sir" or "Dame" by the Queen of England would probably be quite high on the list. It is possible to be appointed a knight or dame no matter your profession, but professions where the award is particularly common include public and political services, education, and the arts.
What's more, the title is not reserved to British nationals. Non-citizens can also receive honorary knight- or damehood. Check out this gallery to see which of our favorite Hollywood stars we should be addressing as "Sir" or "Dame."