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| Europe |
| France makes Eastwood's day |
| 2009-11-13 |
| 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 |
| #1 Clint Eastwood acting in films advanced French culture? I had no idea. |
| Posted by: gromky 2009-11-13 23:48 |