France honors Police, David Lynch

Rock trio knighted, director upgraded to officer

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Police, fresh off a reunion concert in Paris, received a French award for their contribution to the arts Monday.

French Culture Minister Christine Albanel honored the rock trio of Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers as chevaliers of the Order of Arts and Letters at a Paris ceremony.

"We are very happy to be among your knights," said Sting, speaking in French. The Police are known for hits such as "Roxanne," "Message in a Bottle" and "Don't Stand So Close to Me."

They kicked off their reunion tour in late May with a performance in Vancouver, British Columbia. The band broke up in 1984 at the height of their success.

Across town, David Lynch received an upgrade to "officer" in France's Legion of Honor. The filmmaker's entry into the prestigious legion came in 2002 when he became a "knight" - the first rank of five.

President Nicolas Sarkozy called Lynch, the mind behind some of Hollywood's eeriest films in recent years, "a profoundly normal guy" as he presented the award.

"What is really strange is that people think you are a very original guy," Sarkozy said. "What's crazy is life, not the perspective that you bring to life."

Lynch, 61, has received Oscar nominations for "The Elephant Man," "Blue Velvet" and "Mullholland Dr."

Charlotte Rampling and Roman Polanski attended the ceremony for Lynch at the French presidential palace.

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