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Earlier today, France continued its proud tradition of celebrating some of American cinema's most underappreciated icons by making Bruce Willis an officer in the Order of Arts and Letters, one of its highest honors in cultural achievement:

"France pays homage to an actor who represents the force of American cinema and the power of emotions that he invites us to share on screens throughout the world," Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres said as he presented the award to Willis in an ornate salon at the ministry.

Added the Minister as he gingerly pinned a medal on Willis' lapel, "And while none of us in the Ministry have seen Hostage, which you are currently promoting in our fine country, we're sure that it's not nearly as merde as The Whole Ten Yards. Or Tears of the Sun. That was très merde as well. But The Story of Us? Magnifique, a modern classic!"