Mads Mikkelsen and Thomas Vinterberg receive France’s highest civilian honour

They were honoured by French ambassador François Zimeray

It’s been quite a week for Mads Mikkelsen – it was announced recently he’s been chosen to serve as part of this year’s jury at Cannes and the accolades just keep piling up.

On Wednesday, Mikkelsen along with Danish director Thomas Vinterberg were honoured with France’s top civilian award, the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres)

Respect for the Arts 
They both received the award at the French Embassy in Copenhagen where the ambassador François Zimeray presided over the ceremony.

“I am proud to receive this fine order – not least because it is from a country that has consistently cherished, cultivated and respected its art and culture,” said Thomas Vinterberg, the man behind the critically acclaimed film ‘The Hunt’ and co-founder of the Dogme 95 film movement.

Mikkelsen also expressed delight, talking about his ‘love story’ with France.

“My return to Cannes as a member of the jury next month will be a new chapter in my love story with France,” he said, according to Agence France-Presse.