The civilian promotion of January 1, 2026 of the Legion of Honor, published in the Official Journal, distinguishes approximately the same number of personalities from the cultural field (23) as last year (27).
Among these 23 distinctions, we note in particular the nomination to the rank of knight of Picasso’s granddaughter, Diana Widmaier-Ruiz-Picasso (51 years old). The promotion also includes several figures of patronage and heritage, including the mathematician and patron Hubert Goldschmidt. Also named is Nathalie Elmaleh, scenographer and artistic director, co-founder and director of an art and design gallery in Paris VII.
The visual arts are poorly represented in this promotion. Animal sculptor Michel Bassompierre (77 years old) is the only distinguished visual artist in the contingent of the Ministry of Culture. France, however, honors several foreign personalities. The British painter David Hockney (88 years old), residing in Normandy, was promoted to officer (he had been a knight since 2018). The Belgian Frank Madlener (58 years old), director of IRCAM (research center dedicated to musical creation), is named knight.
Finally, the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal (76 years old), released by the Algerian authorities last November, is distinguished for all of his literary work and his intellectual commitment.
