Sarkozy makes Clint Eastwood's day; actor becomes "Légion d'honneur" Commander

November 14, 2009 Yesterday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy appointed the American actor Clint Eastwood Commander of the (Legion of Honour). The country's Minister of Culture, many actors, and directors participated in events at the ceremony.

In February 2009 Eastwood was awarded a Golden Palm (Palme d'Or) in Paris for his life's work &mdash; an award usually only given at the annual. The internationally-renowned film star was born in San Francisco and described France in an interview as his second home. In 2007, then-President appointed him a Knight of the Order.

Within the Légion d'honneur, founded on May 19, 1802 by, are five classes of orders in addition to Grand Master, but the ranking distinguishes only the three degrees of Knight (Chevalier), Officer and Commander (Commendatore). With his appointment as Commander, 79-year-old Eastwood skips the level of Officer.