Charles Aznavour decorated with Russian award

Renowned French singer of the Armenian origin Charles Aznavour on Tuesday received the highest award of the Russian Art Festival in Cannes, the honorary award "For Outstanding Contribution for Strengthening of Cultural Relations between Russia and France."

According to ITAR-TASS the ceremony was held during the Russian Night at the Cannes Palais des Festivals.

The 13th Russian Art Festival, an event that comes within the framework of the Russia-France Cultural Year, opened in Cannes on August 23. The festival is held under the auspices of Russian First Lady Svetlana Medvedeva.

Charles Aznavour(born Shahnour Vaghenag Aznavourian, May 22, 1924, Paris) is a French-Armenian singer, songwriter, actor, public activist and diplomat. Besides being one of France's most popular and enduring singers, he is also one of the best-known singers in the world.

Aznavour is known for his characteristic short figure and unique tenor voice; clear and ringing in its upper reaches, with gravelly and profound low notes. He has appeared in more than 60 movies, composed about 1,000 songs (including 150 at least in English, 100 in Italian, 70 in Spanish, and 50 in German), and has sold well over 100 million records.