Master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian has been named a Knight of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest national distinction, as part of the country’s 2026 civilian honors list, Le Figaro reports.
The awards recognize 619 individuals for their contributions across fields including culture, science, healthcare, business, sports and public service. The decrees were signed by President Emmanuel Macron.
Kurkdjian, one of the world’s most acclaimed perfumers, was honored alongside a number of prominent figures from the arts and culture. Other newly appointed Knights include writer Philippe Besson, actresses Rachida Brakni and Clémentine Célarié, filmmakers Xavier Giannoli and Rebecca Zlotowski, artist Eva Jospin, fashion designer Paloma Picasso and actress Natalie Portman, who was recognized as a foreign national residing in France.
The 2026 promotion includes 518 Knights, 79 Officers, 16 Commanders, 4 Grand Officers, and 2 Grand Crosses. The recipients represent a broad spectrum of fields, including business, healthcare, culture, scientific research, sports, the nonprofit sector and local government.
Among institutional figures, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), has been elevated to the rank of Grand Officer. Serge Haroche, Nobel Prize-winning physicist, and historian Michelle Perrot have been awarded the Grand Cross, the highest distinction of the order. Actor Pierre Arditi and Patrick de Carolis, Mayor of Arles and former CEO of France Télévisions, have been named Commanders.
Former ministers Hervé Gaymard, Olivier Klein, Jean Leonetti, Gérard Longuet, Patrick Mignola, and Patrice Vergriete have been appointed Knights, while former French international footballer Marius Trésor has been promoted to the rank of Officer.
