France's Ministry of Culture awarded Chinese director, actor and writer Feng Xiaogang a Chevalier award during the "Night of France" at Beijing International Film Festival on Saturday.
Chevalier or the knights award is the third order of merit under the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) awarded to people who gave important contributions for the enhancement of the arts and literature of the French culture.
Feng is the ambassador of this year's Beijing International Film Festival.
The director said that he hoped to uphold and expand the influence of French movies to Chinese audiences to promote the cultural exchange between the two nations.
He also added the he aimed to shoot the third installment of his film "If You Are the One" in France, China Entertainment News reported
Known for his box-office comedy films like "Da Wan" in 2001, "A World Without Thieves" in 2004, and "If You Are the One" in 2008, Feng is recently making drama films.
The Order of Arts and Letters was founded in May 2, 1957 by France's Ministry of Culture.
According to the guidelines by the French government, the membership of the award is not only limited to French nationals as foreign dignitaries can also be awarded with the prestigious recognition.
It has three orders of merits: the Commandeur or commander medallion, which the highest form, is awarded to 20 recipients each year; the Officier or officer medallion is received by 60; and the Chevalier or knight medallion is given to more than 200.
Taiwanese feminist writer Li Ang has also received the award in 2004.