Salma Hayek to Be Knighted in France, Raising Some Eyebrows
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Credit: Caroline McCredie/Getty Images
She’s an Oscar nominee, producer, humanitarian and now a French knight.
That’s right. Salma Hayek, 45, was made a chevalier or knight of the Legion of Honor by French President Nicolas Sarkozy on New Year’s Day.
Within the next two months, the “Puss in Boots” actress will receive a formal induction, which involves a presidential medal pinning, according to People magazine.
Hayek’s father-in-law, French businessman François Pinault, was also honored with France’s highest civilian distinction of grand officer.
The National Order of the Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 as merit award to honor military and civilian service in France and is separated into five ranks, beginning with knight, and going up to officer, commander, grander officer and grand cross.
Hayek’s inclusion on the list raised some eyebrows in France, where some accused Sarkozy of advancing his political ambitions with his choice in honorees. Hayek’s billionaire husband, François-Henri Pinault, and father-in-law are close friends of Sarkozy’s, according to the Telegraph.
The Telegraph reported that many vented online, commenting on the website of L’Express that Bonaparte would be “turning in his grave” to see Hayek knighted.
Hayek isn’t the first actor to receive the honor. Past honorees include Clint Eastwood, Marlene Dietrich, Robert Redford, and Jerry Lewis.
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A female becomes a Dame, not a Knight.
Posted by: Greggw | January 3, 2012, 3:29 pm 3:29 pm
it’s always good to do your homework before putting your foot in your …..
French nationals initially always enter the légion at the class of chevalier (knight).
No mention of Dames..
Posted by: Paul | January 3, 2012, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm
Ahahaha, way to devalue your culture. She’s married to that gross rich French old man. Nothing has any meaning anymore in these cheapened hollow times. What, the cheap drug store crud she was peddling didn’t sell so now it’s time to buy knighthood/damehood?
Posted by: Jess | January 3, 2012, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm
“Hayek’s father-in-law, French businessman François Pinault…” Isn’t she MARRIED to Francois Pinault??
Posted by: Miki | January 3, 2012, 5:32 pm 5:32 pm
Sure if you are married to one of the richest man in France what else is new. Its so typical for these eliites rich people to band together and pat themselves on the back. Actually its predictable and discusting.. She should be ashmamed to call her self Mexican what has She done for the poorest mexicans lately/
Posted by: angelina | January 3, 2012, 6:33 pm 6:33 pm
She is a beautiful woman who married huge money. This makes her very lucky, but to be handed such an honor is laughable.
Posted by: Lewis | January 4, 2012, 10:16 am 10:16 am
This is so funny!! I almost fell off the chair when i heard the news. Rich people are funny!
Posted by: phibebet | January 4, 2012, 11:05 am 11:05 am