Benedict Cumberbatch is to receive a CBE at the Queen's birthday honours on Saturday.
The British actor will reportedly be given the award, which is one rank below a knighthood, for his services to drama despite being just 38 years old.
A source said: "Benedict is clearly very talented but a CBE is normally for those coming towards the end of their careers."
And although private and government nominations are ruled upon by a selection committee, some believe Benedict - who is expecting his first child with wife Sophie Hunter - is lucky to be recognised at such a young age.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "It's not a though he's a veteran actor such as John Hurt, who didn't get the CBE until he was 64."
