Tom Cruise receives prestigious 'Knight of the Legion of Honor' by France, Internet says 'well deserved'

PARIS, FRANCE: Tom Cruise was honored with the prestigious 'Knight of the Legion of Honor' by France’s culture minister Rachida Dati.

The ceremony took place on July 26 in Paris, hours before the opening ceremony for the Olympics 2024 on Friday, July 26.

Tom Cruise's induction ceremony for highest honor was kept a secret

Tom Cruise, who is currently filming 'Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two' in Europe, joins the ranks of renowned artists, actors, and filmmakers who have received this prestigious decoration.

The Legion of Honor, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is the highest decoration in France. It is divided into five degrees which follows from lower to higher: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer), and Grand Croix (Grand Cross).

Cruise received the title of Chevalier (Knight), joining notable recipients such as Robert Redford, Martin Scorsese, and Clint Eastwood.

Although the award is specifically reserved for French nationals, "foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds may, however, receive a distinction of the Legion."

"The intimate ceremony was kept secret and Cruise has yet to make some comment on it," Variety reported. 

It may be also due to 'political turmoil' France is going through following snap parliamentary elections.

Tom Cruise was hailed for offering pre-premiere screening of 'Top Gun: Maverick' to bereaved armed families

Rachida Dati, appointed culture minister by President Emmanuel Macron in January, shared a picture of herself with Cruise, proudly wearing his medal.

"Congratulations to @TomCruise who is named a Knight of Arts and Letters by the Republic! His filming of 'Mission Impossible' in Paris in 2017 beautifully showcased our capital," Dati posted on X.

"His passionate defense of cinemas inspires all lovers of the big screen. @MinistereCC," the post added.

The Town Hall of the 7th arrondissement of Paris praised him for offering a pre-premier of 'Top Gun: Maverick' to French armies wounded soldiers and bereaved families.

"In 2022, @TomCruise for our wounded soldiers & bereaved families of @Armees_Gouv offered a pre-premiere screening of 'Top Gun: Maverick' in the Court of Honor #Invalides," the post in French on X translated to English read.

"Ticket sales were donated to associations helping wounded soldiers & bereaved families," the post from Mairie du 7e Paris added.

Star-studded attendance at Paris Olympics 

Although Tom Cruise was not officially pictured at the opening ceremony, he was in attendance along with several stars.

Celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Shaun White, Nina Dobrev, Lindsey Vonn, Serena Williams, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Snoop Dogg, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Tyla, Queen Latifah, and Rebel Wilson were among those who graced the occasion.

The highlight of the opening ceremony was Celine Dion’s powerful rendition of Edith Piaf’s 'Hymne A L’Amour' at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

Lady Gaga also performed, kicking off the ceremony’s entertainment with a tribute to French icon Zizi Jeanmaire, singing 'Mon Truc en Plumes.'

Internet reacts to Tom Cruise receiving the honor

Fans and admirers of Tom Cruise took to the internet to express their happiness.

"Well deserved," wrote one user on X. Another added, "Tom deserves to be knighted."

One more commented, "Congratulations to Tom Cruise on his knighthood! May he continue to entertain us with his death-defying stunts and charming smile."

However, some fans noted his age, with one writing, "Is it me or this is the first photo ever that I’m seeing him actually looking old."

Another remarked, "Fuck he is looking old. I hate it," while a different user noted, "Brother is getting old."

Despite the comments on his appearance, the overall sentiment was positive, with many praising Cruise for his contributions to cinema and his charitable efforts.

"He is legend.. And deserves it," wrote one user. Another stated, "Tom Cruise is a legend. Top tier actor."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.