To his long list of accolades, Hong Kong actor Tony Leung is adding one with French flavor.

France's consul general made the 52-year-old actor an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters at a ceremony on Monday attended by Leung's wife, Carina Lau, and his friends including director Wong Kar-wai.

Consul General Arnaud Barthelemy praised Leung for his achievements in acting and thanked him for bringing together the cultures of France and Hong Kong.

Leung said he wanted to share the honor because he didn't make his films alone. "I think this honor should be shared with all those who have worked with me in films for the last 30 years," Leung said.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai is considered one of Hong Kong's finest actors, especially in his collaborations with Wong such as Ashes of Time, Chungking Express and In the Mood for Love. That role won him a best actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Their last film, the kung fu epic The Grandmaster, was a critical and commercial success.

France made Wong a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2013.

(China Daily USA 06/11/2015 page07)