PARIS, February 20/PRNewswire/ -- Richard Fox, Executive Vice President of Warner Bros. International, will be named Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in a ceremony to take place on February 20, 2006, at the French Cultural Ministry in Paris. The Award will be presented by the Minister of Culture and Communication, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres.

L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres was created by the French government in 1957 to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to creative life in France and throughout the world. There are three levels of recognition in the Order; Chevalier is the highest. Fox is being honored for his lifetime commitment to cultural diversity, as exemplified by his achievements in the world of international film.

Fox, who has, since 1992, overseen local language co-production, acquisition, marketing and distribution in more than 20 countries around the world, began his career at Warner Bros. in 1975. He rose to become President of Warner Bros. Pictures International, where he headed the distribution of the Studio's film product in all overseas markets before moving into his present position.

Under his leadership, Warner Bros. International has been involved in such successful film projects as Jean-Pierre Jeunet's "Un Long Dimanche De Fiancailles," which became the most widely distributed French film in history; Spain's Academy Award winning director Pedro Almodovar's last two movies, "Talk to Her" and "Bad Education" and the upcoming "Volver" for Spain and Italy; "Romanzo Criminale," directed by Michele Placido ,a major Italian critical and boxoffice success; "Turn Left! Turn Right!," directed by Johnny To, a Hong Kong Chinese hit that enjoyed success in Taiwan, Singapore and other countries in Asia; and the current French film "Les Bronzes 3: Amis Pour La Vie," directed by Patrice Leconte, which enjoyed one of the biggest national openings in French film history and is on the way to becoming the biggest hit ever in France for Warner Bros. International.

Among those attending the ceremony will be director Jean-Pierre Jeunet; Gilles Jacob, President of the Cannes Film Festival; Christian Fechner, who produced "Les Bronzes 3: Amis Pour La Vie"; and David Heyman, producer of the worldwide smash hit Harry Potter films; as well as Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Barry Meyer, and Time Warner Chairman and CEO Richard Parsons.

"Richard's respect for, and fascination with, the French tradition of filmmaking have helped us build an enviable reputation in the world of international film," said Meyer. "We are all very proud and pleased that France, with its outstanding film culture, has recognized Richard's contributions and his commitment to diversity in this important form of art and entertainment by honoring him with this award."

Source: Warner Bros. Pictures