Director Martin Scorsese and his newest favorite actor Leonardo DiCaprio have been presented with France's highest cultural honors.
Scorsese (Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, The Aviator) was awarded the Legion of Honor in recognition of his 40-year film career. DiCaprio, 30, was named Commander of the Order of the Arts and Letters during the annual Paris ceremony.
, French culture minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres said Scorsese's work demonstrated "to what extent the cinema is an art":
"Dear Martin Scorsese, the combat for the right of creators and cultural diversity brings together all of those who on both sides of the Atlantic and from all continents take it upon themselves to defend the expressions of identity and creation across all cultures," Mr de Vabres said. "This fight is your fight."
DiCaprio was described by the minister as an "icon, little Hollywood prince, bad boy from Los Angeles, modern romantic hero, Peter Pan of American cinema." The star of Titanic and The Aviator responded by saying he was "extremely, extremely honored."
The Aviator will be released in France on 26 January.
Previous recipients of the Legion of Honor include directors Steven Spielberg and David Lynch.
French culture minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres said Scorsese's work demonstrated "to what extent the cinema is an art":
"Dear Martin Scorsese, the combat for the right of creators and cultural diversity brings together all of those who on both sides of the Atlantic and from all continents take it upon themselves to defend the expressions of identity and creation across all cultures," Mr de Vabres said. "This fight is your fight."
DiCaprio was described by the minister as an "icon, little Hollywood prince, bad boy from Los Angeles, modern romantic hero, Peter Pan of American cinema." The star of Titanic and The Aviator responded by saying he was "extremely, extremely honored."
The Aviator will be released in France on 26 January.
Previous recipients of the Legion of Honor include directors Steven Spielberg and David Lynch.
