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Clint Eastwood has been awarded France's Legion of Honour. President Jacques Chirac saluted the veteran actor and director.
"In honouring you in this way, France wants to pay homage in particular to your immense talent as an actor, to your genius as a director, to the exceptional place you hold in the world of cinema," he said.
Eastwood was also recognised for the anti-war stance typified in his latest film, Letters from Iwo Jima, said Chirac. "From this side of the Atlantic, dear Clint Eastwood, you embody the best of Hollywood."
