French honour for Dennis Hopper

Dennis Hopper has been made a commander in the French Legion of Honour in a Paris ceremony.

The US actor, 72, whose films include Blue Velvet, Apocalypse Now and 1969's Easy Rider, was moved as he received the prize.

To mark the occasion, the Cinematique Francaise in Paris is opening a celebration of Hopper's work which will run through to 19 January.

The Legion of Honour, established in 1802, is France's highest decoration.

Previous stars to have been honoured by the French include actor Lord Olivier, Clint Eastwood and singer Celine Dion.

The exhibition at Cinematique Francaise - the French national film library - is a celebration of his life and work and includes his films as well as photographs and paintings.

It will also feature pieces from his own private art collection including works from pop artists Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg.

Hopper is about to appear in TV series Crash, an adaptation of the Oscar-winning film of the same name which will be shown from Friday in the US.

He has described his character, Los Angeles music producer Ben Cendars, as "a shocking guy".

 BBC News