Shakira wins Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres Award: French knighthood

Shakira received the medal of “Chevalier De L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” from the French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand. Shakira is in Cannes to open the NRJ Music Awards tonight with her number 1 hit “Je L’Aime A Mourir”.

She was honored this afternoon by the French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand who presented Shakira with the medal, which recognizes significant contributions to the arts and literature. Shakira is the first Colombian ever to receive this honor, which has previously been awarded to TS Eliot, George Clooney, and Clint Eastwood.

Shakira commented: “I am so humbled to receive this honor in a country like France that has shared an important cultural legacy with the rest of the world.”

Also honoured was French singer/actress Patricia Kaas, who was made an Officier de l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of the Arts and Letters). It was announced earlier this month that Shakira would be given the honour for her contribution to music.

The honour came two months after Shakira released a cover of French song Je l'aime à mourir - after previously singing in her native Spanish and English. Previous recipients of the Chevalier honour include Kylie Minogue, Tim Burton, Vanessa Paradis, Jude Law and George Clooney.