Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 263 Highest Medal

Under the bright sunlight, the waves lapped against the shore of Cannes harbor, shimmering with silver light.

Wu Chen was standing in front of a photo printing workshop, receiving several freshly developed black and white film photos.

In one of the photos, Liu Yifei is seen holding a trophy and standing on the podium.

Julian Schober, tidying up the rest of the photographs, said, "If I had brought my painting tools, I would have loved to paint a picture of you."

Wu Chen smiled faintly, about to say something, when his cell phone suddenly rang in his pocket.

A familiar number.

He looked down and paused slightly: Thierry Frémaux.

The call from the artistic director of the Cannes Film Festival at this time is clearly not just a casual greeting.

Wu Chen was also a little curious.

On the other end of the phone, Thierry's voice still carried that characteristic French chuckle: "Wu, are you still in Cannes?"

"Yes, they're still here. They might stay for another day or two."

"That's great. If you don't mind, it would be best if you could stay a couple more days. As far as I know, you'll get some good news soon?"

"good news?"

“Yes, it shouldn’t disappoint you, but until it’s officially announced, that’s all I can tell you for now,” Thierry Frémaux smiled.

As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Chen hung up the phone, a slight smile playing on his lips: "That's strange!"

"Wu, what's wrong?" Julian walked over curiously.

"Cannes said I can stay for two more days, which is good news."

“Good news?” Julian was taken aback, his mind racing, before his eyes lit up. “If I’m not mistaken, it is indeed good news.”

"Ok?"

“One of France’s four major honors: the Order of Arts and Letters!” Julian Schauber began. “This is the highest honor the French government bestows upon the arts and culture sector, and I estimate it is most likely this one.”

Julian Schaubel pondered for a moment, then said, "I remember you had a Jury Prize at Cannes before, and with this special Palme d'Or, you'll at least be an officer-level officer."
It's also possible to go directly to the commander level, but it's rare for someone to be awarded the highest rank all at once. However, you have enough honors; it all depends on how they decide to proceed.

"Ah, why?"

"Didn't you notice how dissatisfied the French media and the public are with Cannes today?" Julian Schauber chuckled, patting Wu Chen on the shoulder. "Congratulations in advance, my friend!"

"Thank you!"

Wu Chen nodded slightly. On his way back, he received a call from the bureau.

The call connected, confirming Julian's judgment.

"Director Wu, we have just received a formal note from the French Ministry of Culture. They intend to award you the Commander rank of the French Order of Arts and Letters."
Director Tong said the awarding ceremony will be held at a location convenient for you. If you're still in Cannes, don't rush back home; stay a couple more days. The French Ministry of Culture might award you the medal in Cannes.”

"Really? It's a commander-level?" On the hotel balcony, Liu Yifei was drinking orange juice through a straw when she heard this and jumped up.

"Really, the bureau just called. The medal awarding ceremony should be in the next few days." Wu Chen hadn't expected such an extra bonus.

"Looks like we'll have to stay in Cannes for a couple more days."

“Staying a few more days is fine, it doesn’t matter!” Liu Yifei said, snuggling closer to Wu Chen, her face pressed against his shoulder, gazing at the distant horizon, her heart filled with happiness and contentment. That evening, the French newspaper *Daily Cultural Affairs* published its first front-page story:
[His honors have been restored, his brilliance remains undiminished; the Ministry of Culture will soon award Wu Chen the "Commander of Arts and Literature Medal."]

This was immediately followed by statements from mainstream French media, with publications such as Libération, Le Monde, Screen Magazine, and Cinema Notes all reposting the reports.
"This medal is justice delayed, and a salvation for Cannes" - "If the award system has failed to give him the honor he deserves, then our country's cultural mechanisms cannot afford to make the same mistake a second time."

"The weight of art outweighs the frivolity of rules"—"This is the highest tribute France gives to artists."

As night fell in Cannes, the news had already flooded back to China, sparking a heated discussion that could be described as a "second sensation."

Major portal websites and newspapers quickly followed suit:
Wu Chen receives the French Order of Arts and Letters, becoming the second Chinese director to do so!

[A double recognition of film and culture! Wu Chen receives the highest cultural and artistic medal after the Special Palme d'Or!]

[A Palme d'Or snub? The French government responds to controversy with "highest honor"!]

Subsequently, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television's Film Bureau also quickly issued a congratulatory message, which appeared on the front page of the China Film News.

Congratulations to director Wu Chen on receiving the French Order of Arts and Letters (Commander level) and to his film "Black Peony" for winning the Special Palme d'Or at the 60th Anniversary Cannes Film Festival.

The Order of Arts and Letters is a national honor established by the French Republic to recognize individuals worldwide who have made outstanding achievements in the fields of arts and culture.

"Commander-class" is the highest level and is extremely rare.
Director Wu Chen becomes the second Chinese filmmaker to receive this honor after director Zhang Yimou, and it is the first time that the highest level has been directly awarded, which is of landmark significance.

Director Wu Chen's winning of major awards at this international film festival fully demonstrates the creative vitality and influence of young Chinese directors, and also showcases the ability of Chinese cinema to engage in dialogue with the world.

The article was a long one, praising Wu Chen from beginning to end.

Netizens erupted in cheers.

"Commander-class, huh? I heard Zhang Yimou only got the Knight-class in 1992, and it took him 14 years to get the Commander-class now."

"I knew it! Black Peony is the true Palme d'Or!"

"Who cares about the Palme d'Or? This is awarded by the French Ministry of Culture, it's not comparable to Cannes, it's a national medal, representing the will of the nation!"

"This must be the pinnacle of his career in the film industry. Wu Chen has achieved success in both love and career!"

"Damn Wu Chen, you old scoundrel! Give me back Liu Yifei!"

"."

In the comments section, there are always some people who are indignant and want to kill Wu Chen.

However, the most frustrated person at this moment was Chen Kai, because Zhang Yi had been promoted to commander last year, and Wu Chen had immediately received the highest-level medal, while he was still empty-handed.

He grew angrier the more he thought about it, and his breathing became heavier.

This scene made Chen Hong, who was standing to the side, instinctively avoid it, so as not to provoke Chen Kaige's bad luck.

Meanwhile, Wu Chen, who was in Cannes at the time, received a congratulatory call from Zhang Yimou.

"I just saw the news. You're really direct, taking it one step at a time." Zhang Yi was also a little surprised, but considering Wu Chen's achievements in the past two years, it made sense.

"Senior brother, I didn't expect this medal either."

"Regardless, it's good to receive it; this national honor is of great significance."

(End of this chapter)