Sharon Stone honored with French Film Industry award

Steamy screen seductress Sharon Stone has been honoured by the French film industry for her contribution to French culture, The Associated Press reports.

While some have questioned the 'cultural' value of the characters she has played, the French public has welcomed the news.

Ms Stone flew into Paris for the presentation performed by French Culture Minister Philippe Douste Blazy.

The Ministry of Culture at the magnificent Palais Royal in Paris hosted the award ceremony.

American actress Sharon Stone was presented with the French cultural prize - the "Chevalier des Arts et Lettres", which recognises the cultural contribution of actors and writers worldwide.

Famous for her performances as the sexy temptress in films such as "Basic Instinct" and "Sliver" Ms Stone was certainly flashing her winning smile for the cameras on Tuesday.

Minister Douste Blazy commented on the difficulty of drawing the media's attention away from Ms Stone so he could present the award.

It has come as a surprise to industry buffs who say the French have been, until recently, firmly opposed to Hollywood "colonizing" French culture.