Feb 26, 2009, 9:21 GMT
Clint Eastwood says he is "flattered" at receiving the Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or award.
US actor and director Clint Eastwood shows the Golden Palm award he received during the ceremony organized by the Cannes Film Festival to honor his career, at the restaurant Fouquet's, in Paris, France, 25 February 2009. EPA/MAXPPP / THOMAS PADILLA
The actor-and-director - whose Hollywood career began in the 50s - was awarded the prestigious Golden Palm for his contribution to film yesterday (25.02.09).
The 78-year-old screen legend revealed he is "very flattered" and thanked French filmmakers who "encouraged me to go on". He said: "In my own country people were much more reticent.
People were saying we're not even sure we like this guy as an actor much less as a director."
Festival President Gilles Jacob, who presented the award, praised Eastwood describing him as a "grand master at the summit of his craft".
He added: "It is testimony of my admiration and a quarter-century of complicity."
The special honour was given to the star, who is in Paris promoting latest movie 'Gran Torino', at a private ceremony in Parisian restaurant Le Fouquet's, three months before this year's Cannes festival kicks off on the Riviera.
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