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France makes Eastwood's day
CLINT Eastwood is now a commander in the French Legion of Honour - and it's not a movie role. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has presented the 79-year-old actor with the prestigious decoration for his body of work, his longevity and his ability to delight audiences around the globe.Eastwood was honoured as a knight of the Legion of Honour two years ago by former French President Jacques Chirac. But today's decoration was a step up from grade three to five on the legion's five-grade scale. Speaking in English, Eastwood thanked Sarkozy and the French people at a ceremony in Paris. ``This is a wonderful honour,'' he said. ``It is just a great pleasure for me. I really love France. I love movies, and I love the appreciation that the French people have for movies.'' Eastwood promised to be fluent in French the next time he returned to the country, which he called his ``second home''. Sarkozy bantered with Eastwood and asked the American how he managed to stay so fit. Sarkozy, 54, was hospitalised earlier this year after collapsing while jogging. ``You have to admit that there is a side about you that is a little annoying,'' Sarkozy said. ``Physically, how do you do it?'' Napoleon Bonaparte created the legion in 1802. It recognises military, cultural, scientific or social contributions to France, including by people who are not French citizens. Posted by: tipper 2009-11-13 |
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