Stars Honored with Légion d’honneur at the Élysée Palace

Jean-Paul Rouve was visibly moved to tears as he received the Légion d’honneur from President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The actor, known for his role in the Tuches film series, was embraced by Macron during the ceremony, a moment captured by attendees and widely reported in French media.

The event, held in the garden d’hiver of the Élysée Palace, was attended by several of Rouve’s close friends and colleagues, including fellow comedian Maurice Barthélémy, who has been a friend since their time together in the Robins des Bois troupe. Mickaël Cohen, a partner of Rouve’s on stage in the play “Le Bourgeois gentilhomme,” also attended and filmed the presentation.

Adding a unique touch to the occasion, Rouve’s Jack Russell terrier, Gtro, was also present, sporting a cravat for the event.

Rouve was named to the list of individuals receiving the Légion d’honneur, as published in the official journal on January 1st. Other recipients announced at that time included singer and actress Nolwenn Leroy, humorist Chantal Ladesou, and actors Guillaume Canet and Guillaume Gallienne. The list also recognized British painter David Hockney, Franco-Iranian writer Delphine Minoui, Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, and chef Anne-Sophie Pic.

The ceremony at the Élysée Palace follows a similar event earlier in March, when Stella McCartney received the Légion d’honneur. That event drew a high-profile guest list including Paul McCartney, Bianca Jagger, Oprah Winfrey, and Charlotte Casiraghi, demonstrating the Macron administration’s continued use of the prestigious award to recognize figures in arts, and culture.