Puss in Boots star Salma Hayek will be ‘knighted’ in France when she receives the Légion d'Honneur (Legion of Honor). The Mexican-born actress was among the list of new recipients of the merit award that was announced by French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday.
People reported that, according to a source, her induction ceremony could take place in the next two months. The medal will be presented by Sarkozy himself.
The Legion of Honor was founded as a merit award by Napoleon in 1802 and is traditionally given to civilians and members of the military for their contributions to France. While Hollywood actors like Clint Eastwood, Jerry Lewis, Robert Redford and Robert De Niro have received the medal in the past, Hayek’s selection has been met with fierce criticism.
According to The Telegraph, many in the French press see it as a last-ditch effort by Sarkozy to get re-elected in the Spring. Marianne, a political magazine, had a headline that read “Last distribution of the gongs before leaving,” while L'Express wrote that Napoleon would be “turning in his grave” if he knew who was receiving the award. Adding to the controversy, Hayek’s husband is Francois-Henri Pinault, a businessman who is reportedly close friends with Sarkozy. Pinault’s father, tycoon Francois Pinault, was given the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour award on the same list.
Other critics include Henri Torre, a member of Sarkozy’s ruling party. According to The Telegraph, he told Marianne that he turned down the Legion of Honor because, "Too many people were nominated who do not deserve to me honoured" and that the honors have "lost their value.”