France honored Uma Thurman on Tuesday, proclaiming the “classic and disconcerting beauty” a knight in the Order of Arts and Letters.
“We welcome Uma Thurman, a model-actress, admired throughout the world and especially in our country, France,” said Cannes Film Festival Director Gilles Jacob. He presented the award to Thurman on behalf of the country’s Culture Ministry.
Thurman’s career “would make her the favorite actress of an entire generation,” he said.
Jacob evoked her “atypical and bohemian” childhood as the daughter of a renowned Tibet scholar, who named Uma after an Indian goddess.
“The public discovered your grace and sensuality,” Jacob said, outlining Thurman’s acting career that began on a New York stage when she was 16.
Her screen credits include roles in “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Pulp Fiction” and the “Kill Bill” films.
Jacob hailed the 35-year-old actress as a “classic and disconcerting beauty,” a “femme fatale” and a “dreamy creature” before pinning a medal on her black Christian Dior jacket.
“I’m so flattered and touched by your comments,” said Thurman, who was in France to promote her new movie, “The Producers.”