Shakira received the French culture medal ‘Chevalier De L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ from the French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand in Cannes this Saturday (28 January).

Shakira was in Cannes to open the NRJ Music Awards with her number 1 hit ‘Je L’Aime A Mourir’.

She was honoured by the French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand who presented her with the ‘Chevalier De L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ medal. This honour was established by the French Ministry of Culture in 1957, with the objective of recognising individuals who have promoted or contributed significantly to the world of fine arts.

Other recipients of the distinction in the past include the poet TS Eliot, director Clint Eastwood, and actor George Clooney. Shakira is the first Colombian ever to receive this award.

Shakira commented: “I am so humbled to receive this honour in a country like France that has shared an important cultural legacy with the rest of the world.”

Shakira wore Azzedine Alaia for the medal ceremony and Fure One for the red carpet at the NRJ Awards.