American filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola was promoted to 'Officier' (Officer) in the French Legion of Honour by France's consul-general in San Francisco.
At an intimate ceremony held in Coppola's home, the consul general, Frederic Desagneaux, praised Copolla's contributions to cinema and culture, along with his "passion for food, wine and art."
"You are a wonderful storyteller," Desagneaux said. "I think a main reason the French audience likes your films is that they deal with the myth and legend of America."
Coppola responded, saying, "I'm very grateful and I'm very touched. My granddaughter Romy [the daughter of Sofia Coppola and French musician Thomas Mars] thanks you as well."
A film director, producer, and screenwriter, Coppola has won five Academy Awards and is best known for the acclaimed 'Godfather' trilogy and the Vietnam War epic 'Apocalypse Now'.
The Legion Of Honor was created by French leader Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and is given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France, regardless of the social status or nationality of the recipients.
