American producer Harvey Weinstein was the main attraction at the Champs Elysees Film Festival in Paris.

The man who credits huge hits like the Kill BIll movies, the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Kings Speech to his name, was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

He's celebrated in France for his role in bringing the Academy Award winning French film 'The Artist' to international attention.

SOUNDBITE: American film producer Harvey Weinstein, saying: (English)

"Getting the Legion of Honour was probably the thrill of my life. It was just great, you know. And what can I say? I've had a fantastic reception and I love French movies so it's a reciprocal love affair."

With the Miramax co-founder was Kill Bill actor Michael Madsen - co-president of the festival.

SOUNDBITE: American actor Michael Madsen, saying: (English)

"I think it's nice for the public to have a festival of independent films. I'm very, very honoured to be a president of such a thing."

The first Champs Elysees festival features independent films from France and the US, as well as a retrospective of Weinstein's work.

Nickie Omer, Reuters.