French President Nicholas Sarkozy honoured Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood with the rank of a commander in France's prestigious 'Legion of Honour', a title which is rarely conferred on a foreigner.

Sarkozy welcomed the 79-year-old Oscar-winning actor into the legion on Friday with one of the top honours in the country, reported The Telegraph online.

The actor and director received the "Commandeur de la Legion d'Honneur" for his body of work, his longevity and his ability to delight audiences around the globe, according to the award citation.

Two years ago, the 'Million Dollar Baby' star was honoured by former French President Jacques Chirac as a knight of the Legion of Honour and Friday's decoration was a step up for the star to grade three on the legion's five-grade scale.

Sarkozy, a fitness enthusiast, bantered with Eastwood and asked the American how he managed to stay so fit.

"You have to admit that there is a side about you that is a little annoying," the French leader said. "Physically, how do you do it?"

Eastwood, who went from playing tough guy roles in cult classics like 'Dirty Harry' to directing critically acclaimed films, referred to France as his "second home" and to Sarkozy as "my president."

"This is a wonderful honour. It is just a great pleasure for me. I really love France. I love movies, and I love the appreciation that the French people have for movies," said Eastwood.