This time, it’s those people in Paris who’ve really made his day. Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood was awarded as commander in France’s prestigious Legion of Honour.
The Telegraph reported that on Friday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy gave the 79-year-old Hollywood actor-turned-director with the decoration for his “body of work, longevity and his ability to delight audiences around the globe.”
Although it is somewhat rare to elevate a foreigner to the rank of commander of the Legion, it was still given to Eastwood, who was honored as a knight by former French President Jacques Chirac two years ago.
In 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte created the legion to recognize those individuals who made contributions to France in different fields including those in the military, cultural, scientific or social spheres.
Following Friday’s recognition, Eastwood only needs to complete two more stars to complete the legion’s five-grade scale.
Eastwood rose into superstardom playing tough guy roles like Dirty Harry and is now recognized for his works behind the camera, directing critically-acclaimed films such Million Dollar Baby, wherein he won the Best Director Academy Award.
In reaction to the accolade, Eastwood, who considers France his second home, was quoted by BBC News saying the red-ribboned accolade is a “wonderful honor” and “a pleasure” for him.”
“I love France. I love movies, and I love the appreciation that the French people have for movies,” Eastwood, who promised he’ll learn to speak French, said.
“As a commander of the arts and letters, I think I will go out on the streets of France today and throw my weight around,” he added.
For President Sarkozy, Eastwood, who starred and directed Gran Torino last year, is “a myth, a giant, an example of the admiration we have for American culture.”
Eastwood also snatched the Best Director and Best Picture Oscars for the 1993 film Unforgiven. He also has Golden Globes for directing films Bird in 1988, Mystic River in 2003, Letters to Iwo Jima in 2006 and Flags for Our Four Fathers also in 2006.
Eastwood’s latest masterpiece, Invictus, is a film about the struggles of African civil rights leader Nelson Mandela. The movie, slated to be released in December, is top-billed by Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. (Grace R)
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