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Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood has been made a commander in France's prestigious Legion of Honour.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy presented the 79-year-old actor and director with the decoration for his contribution to cinema.

Eastwood said receiving the accolade was a "wonderful honour" and a "great pleasure" for him.

"I love France. I love movies, and I love the appreciation that the French people have for movies," he said.

The star promised he would be fluent in French the next time he returned to the country.

He jokingly referred to Sarkozy as "my president" after receiving the red-ribboned medal, and said he planned to go out and show off his award.

"As a commander of the arts and letters, I think I will go out on the streets of France today and throw my weight around," he said