Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood has been named commander of France‘s prestigious Legion of Honor on Friday.

The award was bestowed upon Eastwood by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to honor the 79-year-old actor and director for his body of work, his longevity and his ability to delight audiences around the globe, according to the award citation.

Two years ago, Former French President Jacques Chirac also honored Eastwood as a knight of the Legion of Honor. Eastwood’s new award was a step-up to a grade three on the legion’s five-grade scale.

Eastwood says of the award, “This is a wonderful honor. It is just a great pleasure for me. I really love France. I love movies, and I love the appreciation that the French people have for movies.”

Eastwood promised to be fluent in French the next time he returns to France.

The Legion was created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.

(via AP)