Salma Hayek: Knight in a shiny blouse

The actor has been considered worthy of knighthood by the French president.

On December 1, French president Nicolas Sarkozy named those who deserve to receive the Legion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour) and Puss In Boots actor Salma Hayek was one of the lucky few, reported by people.com. The Legion of Honour, is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte.

According to newworldencyclopedia.com, the order is the highest decoration in France and is divided into five various degrees: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross). Hayek, 45, will enter the five-tiered honour academy with the grade of Chevalier or Knight.

Announced in the Sarkozy’s official New Year’s list, the actor will receive a formal induction, which involves pinning of the medal by the president. Her induction will likely occur at the Elysees Palace within the next two months, dailymail.co.uk quoted a source as saying.

Founded by Bonaparte in 1802 as a merit award, the Legion of Honour is awarded to military personnel and civilians for service to France. It is not exclusively reserved for the French and is often awarded to figures of international standing.

Past recipients, who are entitled to wear a small rosette pin indicating their rank, include Jerry Lewis, Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford and Robert De Niro, according to people.com.

In making the grade this year, Hayek’s honour was also something of a unique family affair: her father-in-law, retired business magnate Francois Pinault, was promoted in the same list to the Legion’s exalted rank of Grand Officer.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2012.