After working hand-in-glove with French filmmakers on the Oscar winning The Artist, the mogul is set collect France’s highest distinction at a ceremony to take place in Paris.
The award comes in recognition of Weinstein’s contribution to cinema and stems from a personal recommendation by President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Weinstein learned about the honour during awards season and kept silent until after the Academy Awards so as not to create a conflict of interest given his involvement with The Artist.
“This prestigious distinction, which I wanted to come from my personal allocation, is a testimony of the admiration of millions of French citizens for the exceptional quality of the films that you have produced,” Sarkozy said in a statement.
“It also expresses our gratitude to someone who has always shown great friendship towards our country and our cinema which you have enabled so many Americans to discover.”
“I am honoured and humbled by this recognition from President Sarkozy and the people of France,” Weinstein said. “All my life, I have loved and been inspired by French cinema. I am still the young boy who walked two miles to The Mayfair movie theater in Flushing, NY to see films by the greats – Lelouch, Godard, Renoir and my personal favorite François Truffaut.
“They inspired me and led me to the place I am in today. I hope to continue my friendship with France and its filmmakers for many years to come.”
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