Eiji Aonuma Knighted by French Ministry of Culture
The Legend of Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma received the Order of Arts and Letters at a ceremony this past week, with French Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard presenting the medallion.
Eiji Aonuma, producer of The Legend of Zelda series, was made a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture at a ceremony held this past week, according to Kotaku. French Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard presented Aonuma with his medallion and praised him as a storyteller who leaves room for players' imaginations.
Aonuma delivered a statement in French and closed his speech in French for his wife, who was in the room.
He was honored in the same class as jazz musician Kenny Garrett, actress Richa Chadha and Rumiko Takahashi, creator of Ranma ½.
Background
The French Ministry of Culture announced Aonuma's knighthood back in 2023. Aonuma began working at Nintendo in 1988, directed The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and has worked on every mainline Zelda entry since.
Shigeru Miyamoto received the Order of Arts and Letters title in 2006, and Peter Molyneux received the title a year later. Earlier this year the Ministry announced it would give the title to Sandfall Interactive, the studio behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the first time an entire game studio will share one ribbon.
Quick answers
What honor did Eiji Aonuma receive?
He was made a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture.
When did the ceremony take place?
At a ceremony held this past week, according to Kotaku.
Who else was honored in the same class?
Jazz musician Kenny Garrett, actress Richa Chadha and Rumiko Takahashi, creator of Ranma ½.