Tom Cruise receives prestigious 'Knight of the Legion of Honor' by France, Internet says 'well deserved'
![Tom Cruise receives prestigious 'Knight of the Legion of Honor' by France, Internet says 'well deserved'](https://dxltb3n5j8l6j.cloudfront.net/707628/uploads/646342f0-4c31-11ef-a445-fd7e8ed053d9_1200_630.jpeg)
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.
Félicitations à @TomCruise que la République nomme Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres ! 🇫🇷
— Rachida Dati ن (@datirachida) July 27, 2024
🎬 Son tournage de "Mission Impossible" à Paris en 2017 a magnifiquement mis en valeur notre capitale. Sa défense passionnée des salles de cinéma inspire tous les amoureux du grand écran.… pic.twitter.com/mW5bOssbbL
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.
En 2022, @TomCruise auprès de nos soldats blessés & familles endeuillées des @Armees_Gouv a offert une projection en avt première de “Top Gun : Maverick”ds la Cour d’honneur #Invalides. La vente des billets a été reversée aux asso d’aide des soldats blessés & familles endeuillées pic.twitter.com/E51guVYu0N
— Mairie du 7e Paris (@mairie7) July 27, 2024
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.'
![Caption: PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 26: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This Handout screengrab was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images' editorial policy.) This handout released by the Olympic Broadcasting Services, shows a view of singer Celine Dion performing on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Screengrab by IOC via Getty Images)](https://pisco-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/14d6044d-866d-4e19-9706-87c6b104f1e2.jpg)
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."
congratulations to Tom Cruise on his knighthood! May he continue to entertain us with his death-defying stunts and charming smile 🔥
— idc if it isn't luxury 💎 (@LuxeVortex) July 27, 2024
Is it me or this is the first photo ever that I’m seeing him actually looking old
— Mr Whopper gaming (@GamingWhopper) July 27, 2024
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.