Top actresses Krystyna Janda and Maja Komorowska have been awarded the French Order of Arts and Letters in recognition for their artistic work and promotion of arts in France and the world.

Held at the French ambassador’s residence in Warsaw, the award ceremony was attended by First Lady Anna Komorowska and film directors Andrzej Wajda and Maciej Englert.

The French ambassador to Poland, Barry Delongchamps, who granted the orders, recounted the acclaimed roles of Krystyna Janda, in productions including Wajda’s  Man of Marble and Man of Iron. He stressed the importance of these films as symbols of a nation that fought for the truth and freedom under communist rule

“For millions of people across the world, you are not only an outstanding representative of Polish cinema, but you are also the face of fighting Poland and an embodiment of courage," he told Polish Radio.

The ambassador also pointed to Maja Komorowska’s involvement in the Solidarity movement.

The French Order of Arts and Letters, established in 1957, is appointed by the French Minister of Culture and Communication. (ab)