L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is a medal of France, established in 1957 to recognise artists who are considered to have contributed hugely towards popular culture in France. There are three different grades, from which Tina received the 'Chevalier‘ in 1996 during a glittering ceremony in Paris, joining a select group of foreign born artists including Bob Dylan, Sharon Stone, B.B. King, Jerry Lewis, Clint Eastwood and Jane Birkin. The medallion is worn on a ribbon on the left breast and is presented up to 200 recipients a year.
Tina was also in France for a series of interviews and promotional events relating to the latest James Bond movie GoldenEye and her forthcoming Wildest Dreams Tour, connected to the release of the new album Wildest Dreams.
Date: February 12, 1996
Location: Palais de Congres, Paris (France)
Host: Philippe Douste-Blazy (French minister of culture)
Award: Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres