The new promotion of the Legion of Honor, known as “July 14”, distinguished 589 personalities: 497 knights, 68 officers, 18 commanders, 4 large officers and 2 great cross. Among them, 6.2 % fall under the sectors of culture and communication.
Among the best known personalities are the American singer and producer Pharrell Williams, currently artistic director of the men’s collection of Louis Vuitton, as well as the singer-songwriter Véronique Sanson, decorated with the grade of knight. Writers Marc Levy and Émilie Frèche also appear in this promotion.
In the field of arts, Frédéric Andrès, Maître Artisan Ferronnier d’Art in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, was appointed knight through the system of appointment by citizen initiative reinforced in 2025, the majority of decorations being generally proposed by the government within the framework of ministerial procedure. Isabelle Baudoin, curator and restaurateur of stained glass, was also decorated. Also included Glenn Lowry, director of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York, as well as Eléonore de Lacharrière, president of the Culture and Diversity Foundation.
Marion Papillon, director general of the Galerie Papillon, is named knight. Born in 1975, passed by the Center Pompidou and then by the French Embassy in Russia, she founded the Paris Gallery Weekend festival (Choices). She notably participated in the structuring of the art galleries network via her commitment to the professional committee of art galleries, then of the Federation of Professionals of Contemporary Art.
Alexander Neef, director of the Paris National Opera since 2020, is also among the nominees. Born in 1975 in Germany, he studied Latin philology and modern letters before orienting his career towards administrative functions in the cultural field. He directed the Canadian Opera Company before taking the lead in the National Opera. He is distinguished for his contribution to the influence of the French opera internationally.
The Legion of Honor was created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte in order to reward civilians and soldiers for the services rendered to the nation. The order currently has between 77,000 and 79,000 living members, on a statutory maximum of 125,000. Each year, more than 2,200 personalities are decorated.
