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Story by: Jack Foley
HOLLYWOOD superstar Bruce Willis has been presented with one
of France's highest cultural honours, while visiting the country
to promote his latest film, Hostage.
The former Die Hard star was made an officer in the Order of
Arts and Letters on Wednesday, April 13, 2005.
The actor, 50, received his decoration from French Culture Minister
Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres at a special ceremony in Paris.
And he immediately commented that the award proved 'cinema has
no boundaries and that we all belong to the same artistic community'.
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According to Mr de Vabres, Willis
was chosen for the accolade because he symbolised 'the power of
US cinema' as well as the 'mythical proportions' of its characters.
Upon hearing such words, the star told onlookers in French that
he was 'very touched'.
Also present at the ceremony were French actor, Jean Reno, and
Willis's Pulp Fiction co-star,
Maria de Medeiros.
In his citation, Mr de Vabres praised Willis's 'quiet strength
and empathy', adding: "Your roles cannot be reduced down
to the fight against good and bad which is so popular in the US
film industry, even if you have killed lots of villains."
Past recipients of the prestigious award have included Sir Alan
Parker and, more recently, Martin
Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, who collected it when in France
promoting their latest collaboration, The
Aviator.
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