Salma Hayek Joins the French Legion of Honor

Salma Hayek is one a few celebrities to get a high honor in France, and she can now add "Chevalier" to her long list of credits.

The 45-year-old actress Mexican actress was reportedly named by French President Nicolas Sarkozy as one of the 800 recipients of an award for the Legion d'Honneur (Legion of Honor) in France on January 1, according to People magazine.

The Legion d'Honneur was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It is usually awarded to individuals in the military or civilians who devote their services to France. It is also given to individuals with high standing internationally.

The Telegraph reported that Hayek was chosen for her work as a "director, producer and active member of charitable foundations for 23 years," according to the government's official journal. Hayek will be joined by her father-in-law, billionaire and owner of entrepreneurial firm PPR Francois Pinault, who had been made a Grand Officer of the Legion as well. Hayek's appointment has angered many, including Henri Torre, a former minister and member of Sarkozy's UMP party. Torre, 78, turned down his Legion of Honor.

"Too many people have been nominated who do not deserve to me honored," he told the Telegraph. "They have made a mockery of this high distinction by naming any old people." He also said that the award was influenced heavily by cronyism.