WILLIAM FRIEDKIN - FRENCH HONOUR FOR FRIEDKIN

Director WILLIAM FRIEDKIN has been named an Officer In The Order Of Arts And Letters by the French government. The filmmaker, best known for his classic 1970s movies The French Connection and The Exorcist, will be presented with his honour at a ceremony in Paris this autumn (07). The award recognises people who have made a significant contribution to the arts. Friedkin says, "I'm deeply honoured to receive this award. Simply, because of the profound influence French cinema has had on all the filmmakers of my generation."