Cruz was presented with her award by France's cultural minister

Cruz was proclaimed a knight of the order of arts and letters by France's cultural minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres at a ceremony in Paris.

He praised the actress for promoting cultural diversity by making films in several languages during her career.

"I'm not sure that I deserve it, but I'll do my best so that you won't regret," said Cruz.

"I'm happy to have honoured this great actress," said Mr de Vabres.

Prominence

"It's France's role to be the ardent defender of cultural diversity and to recognise those who extend, with their talent, the culture of their country," he added.

The minister said that Cruz's current film Bandidas was an example of her cultural cross-referencing.

The film, about two female outlaws in 19th century Mexico, was directed by Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg and co-written by Luc Besson.

Cruz's co-star in the film, Salma Hayek, was at the awards ceremony and congratulated her on receiving the honour.

Cruz, 31, came to international prominence after co-starring in Pedro Almodovar's Oscar-winning film All About My Mother, leading to a Hollywood breakthrough with roles in All The Pretty Horses and Vanilla Sky.