(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Sir Michael Caine got muddled when accepting his Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters award in France.

The 77-year-old British actor has enjoyed a vastly successful career in movies, having starred in classics such as Alfie, The Italian Job, Hannah and Her Sisters and The Cider House Rules.

Michael is highly revered in France, and as a result has been honoured with the Commander title, which is bestowed upon figures who have contributed to the enrichment of culture in the country.

The star made a moving acceptance speech, though he appeared to be confused at one point when the thanked the country for giving him an even more prestigious Legion of Honour award.

Actor Sir Sean Connery has in fact received this award, so Michael made reference to this. He suggested Sean had received the honour as he has a French wife, and mused as to why he himself had received one.

Despite this mishap, Michaels speech was articulate and touching, and he even displayed his linguistic skills.

I didnt know whether the French loved me and thought maybe it was a one-way affair. But now I know they love me, he gushed.

Michael attended yesterdays ceremony at the Culture Ministry in Paris with his beautiful wife Shakira Baksh.

Meanwhile, in other French-related movie news, it has been revealed Hollywood icon Robert De Niro will serve as the president of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Jury at the 64th run of the annual movie ceremony in the south of France this summer. Previous presidents of the jury at Cannes have included directors Tim Burton and Quentin Tarantino, as well as actor Sean Penn.

The Cannes Film Festival is a rare opportunity for me as it is one of the oldest and one of the best in the world, enthused Robert in a statement made via the New York Times. (C) Cover Media