Prolific and gifted writer Toni Morrison who has imbued her readers with such classic works as "Song of Solomon" and "Beloved" has been inducted into France's Legion of Honor.

In a pomp-and-circumstance ceremony held Wednesday at the Paris Ministry, French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand (pictured above next to Morrison) declared Morrison an officer in the Legion of Honor by pinning her with a red and gold medal.

The event was held in a gilded hall and droves of photographers from all over the globe were there to capture the moment.

Morrison, who was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for "Beloved" and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993 and who has garnered countless other highly prestigious honors was referred to as "the greatest American novelist of her time" by Mitterrand.

The woman who positively referred to former President Bill Clinton as "our first black president" and whose published works have gained much critical success for their vivid dialog, carefully molded characters and epic themes humbly accepted her latest accolade.

The 78-year-old said to all in attendance at the grand function, the award showed that "in addition to being welcomed" in France, she's "prized."

The Legion of Honor Award was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, 19th century military and political leader of France. The award is the highest decoration in France which created to reward civilians and soldiers for their meritous deeds.

Other African Americans who have been bestowed with the French honor--jazz musician Miles Davis, singer Shirley Bassey and record producer/musician Quincy Jones.