Clint Eastwood is now a commander of the French Legion of Honour
November 16, 2009
Hollywood great, Clint Eastwood has been awarded one of France’s highest honours by President Nicolas Sarkozy. The award of Commandeur de la Legion d’Honneur can now be added to Eastwood’s rank of knight of the Legion of Honour awarded to him two years ago by former French president Jacques Chirac. Although it is unusual for a foreigner to be elevated to the position of commander of the French Legion of Honour the award was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte to recognise achievements in social, scientific, cultural and military areas made by both French nationals and foreigners.
Clint Eastwood has said that he regards France as his second home and joked with Sarkozy as he accepted the award. Both men are fitness fanatics and Sarkozy said that it was annoying that Mr. Eastwood was still in such great shape at the age of seventy-nine.
The award citation said that Mr. Eastwood deserved the commendation because of his ability to continue to delight the world’s movie going audience. It was also given to the Hollywood star in recognition of his longevity and as a celebration of his huge body of work.
Clint Eastwood started his career by playing tough guy roles such as Dirty Harry but has since moved into the director’s chair. As a director he has managed to make some exceptional films as well as win a mantelpiece full of awards. The new award means that Mr. Eastwood has now reached level number three on the legions five-grade scale.
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