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Clint Eastwood honored in France

Actor/director Clint Eastwood sports the French Legion of Honor medal given to him by French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris on November 13, 2009. Former French President Jacques Chirac had honored Eastwood as a knight of the Legion of Honor two years ago but Eastwood's latest decoration was a step up to grade three (commander) on the legionÕs five-grade scale. UPI/David Silpa
1 of 3 | Actor/director Clint Eastwood sports the French Legion of Honor medal given to him by French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris on November 13, 2009. Former French President Jacques Chirac had honored Eastwood as a knight of the Legion of Honor two years ago but Eastwood's latest decoration was a step up to grade three (commander) on the legionÕs five-grade scale. UPI/David Silpa | License Photo

PARIS, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy has presented U.S. actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood with the Legion of Honor medal for his contribution to cinema.

"I love France. I love movies, and I love the appreciation that the French people have for movies," the BBC quoted the 79-year-old Hollywood icon as saying as he accepted the recognition of merit, which was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.

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"As a commander of the arts and letters, I think I will go out on the streets of France today and throw my weight around," Eastwood added.

The veteran actor starred in the "Dirty Harry" action flicks, then went on to direct the celebrated films "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," "Mystic River," "Million Dollar Baby," "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Gran Torino." His movie "Invictus" is slated for theatrical release next month.

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