Natalie Portman among recipients in France’s Bastille Day honours

Portman, who was honoured as a Chevalier (Knight) in the category for foreign nationals living in France, was recognised for more than three decades of achievements in cinema, including performances in Black Swan, Jackie and the Star Wars films.

The annual honours list, signed by President Emmanuel Macron and published in the Journal Officiel, also includes actress Clémentine Célarié, author Nathacha Appanah, chef Stéphanie Le Quellec, artist Eva Jospin, playwright Wajdi Mouawad, perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, writer Philippe Besson and journalists Sylvie Kauffmann and Pierre Haski, all appointed Chevaliers.

Among the higher distinctions, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde was promoted to Grand Officier, while actor Pierre Arditi became a Commandeur.

Historian Michelle Perrot and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Serge Haroche received the Grand’Croix, the highest rank within the order.

The promotion also included a special recognition programme honouring members of the Harki community and their families, with 17 people receiving the Légion d’Honneur as part of France’s continuing efforts to acknowledge their service and history.