Marion Cotillard, Tim Burton receive French honour

French actress Marion Cotillard and American director Tim Burton were both honoured at the French culture ministry recently.

Cotillard, 34, received one of France's highest cultural honours at a ceremony in Paris, and was made a knight in the Order of the Arts and Letters by Culture Minister Frederic Mitterand.
 
Burton, 51, who directed Alice in Wonderland, was honoured and made a knight, and after receiving his green and gold medallion, said he had always loved France and felt a special connection with the French public.

"I feel much more at home here than I do in my own country and I thank you very much," the BBC quoted him as saying.

Recipients of the order are honoured for their significant "contribution to the enrichment of French culture".

Previous recipients include US singer Stevie Wonder, who was made a commander earlier this month, actors Dennis Hopper, Meryl Streep and Uma Thurman, and singers Bob Dylan and Kylie Minogue.