Скачать или смотреть FRANCE: ACTOR MICHAEL DOUGLAS HONOURED AT CESAR AWARD CEREMONY

(27 Feb 1998) Eng/French/Nat

American film star Michael Douglas was awarded the Order of Arts and Letters in Paris by the French Ministry of Culture on Friday.

The awards were to honour his achievements as an actor and film producer.

On Saturday, Douglas, who starred in Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction, will receive a lifetime achievement award at the Cesar ceremony for his contribution to film making.

American actor Michael Douglas received the Order of Arts and Letters from the French Culture Minister Catherine Trautmann on Friday.

Douglas is in Paris to attend the Cesar awards ceremony on Saturday - the French equivalent of the Oscars.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"Today we are at your side to celebrate your presence and be happy that you are who you are, and I want to tell you, Michael Douglas, how very pleased I am to name you Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters."
SUPER CAPTION: Catherine Trautmann, French Culture Minister

Douglas said receiving the award was a special honour, not least because it had been given to his father, Kirk Douglas, many years ago.

The film star expressed his appreciation in heavily accented French after being handed the medal.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"Today, receiving this honour from a country I so admire, overwhelms me."
SUPER CAPTION: Michael Douglas, Actor

But more awards await the actor.

On Saturday, Douglas, who starred in Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction, will receive a lifetime achievement award at the Cesar ceremony for his contribution to film making.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"This has a long history, this particular medal and it's... you look at some of the people that have received it and it's a tremendous affirmation for your own career. On a larger scale, whenever you receive a medal from another country, it reminds you of how wonderful this movie making process is."
SUPER CAPTION: Michael Douglas, Actor

Actor Robert De Niro recently decided to return his honorary medal after being forced to testify in an investigation into an international prostitution ring.

De Niro said he would never visit France again, and would advise his friends to stay away from the country - a statement he later withdrew.

When Douglas was asked to comment on the incident, he commiserated with De Niro.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I am sure that Robert is upset and disappointed because I know he spends a lot of time in France and enjoys France a lot, and I am sure that if the powers that be, if they had to do it over again would have thought of probably another alternative."
SUPER CAPTION: Michael Douglas, Actor

Douglas is sure to leave France in a happier frame of mind than De Niro, after collecting two honorary medals for his work in the film world.

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