Salma Hayek Honored for Service to France

Actress Salma Hayek is to receive France's highest culture prize - the Legion d'Honneur.

The Mexican movie star, who is married to Frenchman Henri Francois Pinault, has been named among the 2012 recipients of the accolade by President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Founded by Napoleon exactly 210 years ago, the Legion d'Honneur is awarded to native and international figures for their service to France.

Past recipients include Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford and Robert De Niro, and Lenny Kravitz was handed the medal in November (2011).

The news of the award comes as Hayek's father-in-law, retired businessman Francois Pinault, is promoted to the Legion's rank of Grand Officer.

© WENN