THE SHORTLIST:

Winner: JK Rowling Sir Ian McKellen Damien Hirst

The 2007 Arts winner is: J.K. Rowling

Britain's contribution to the arts world is extensive and highly regarded. From great writers of the past to innovative modern artists of today, Britons have always been among the most prominent global figures. This award is for achievements in any area of performance and visual arts, including literature, acting, dance, sculpture and fine art.

JK Rowling - Winner

This year saw the final Harry Potter novel published. Selling 11 million copies in its first 24 hours, it broke the record for the fastest-selling book; previously held by the sixth Harry Potter novel, which sold 9 million on its first day in 2005. The books have been translated into 64 different languages.  The Order of Phoenix managed to become the first English-language book ever to top the bestseller list in France. In addition, the film of the Order of the Phoenix, in which Harry painfully begins to understand the battles with evil that lie ahead, was released this year.  It was described as a deliciously dark affair, brimming with impressively gritty performances still managing to balance magical wonder with breathless excitement.

External links
Official site
Scholastic Publishers

Sir Ian McKellen -

One of the most acclaimed actors of his generation; he has been honoured with more than 40 international awards for his performances on stage and screen. While he has more recently become known for his roles in major blockbusters such as X-men and Lord of the Rings he originally found fame playing the title role in Edward II. This year he returned to the stage to great acclaim, appearing in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘The Seagull’ and in the title role of ‘King Lear’. He also founded and remains an outspoken advocate for the Gay rights campaigning group Stonewall and is on the board of the National Theatre.

External links
Official website

Damien Hirst -

Damien curated the widely acclaimed 'Freeze' exhibition in 1988 while still a student at Goldsmiths College. This show launched the careers of many successful young British artists, including his own. He is best known for his spot paintings and for his Natural series, most notably ‘The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living’, a 14-foot tiger shark immersed in formaldehyde. This year he created a dazzling diamond-encrusted skull and set the saleroom record for a living artist, with the sale of a medicine chest, Lullaby Spring, for £9.65 million.

External links
Official website

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