Clint steps up

American screen icon Clint Eastwood was made a commander in France’s prestigious Legion of Honor on Friday.

French President NicolasSarkozy presented the 79-year-old actor and director with the decoration, honoring his body of work, his longevity and his ability to delight audiences around the globe, according to the award citation.

Former French President Jacques Chirac had honored Eastwood as a knight of the Legion of Honor two years ago, and Friday’s decoration was a step up for Eastwood to grade three on the legion’s five-grade scale.

Speaking in English, Eastwood thanked Sarkozy and the French people.

“This is a wonderful honor,” Eastwood said. “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.”

Eastwood promised to be fluent in French the next time he returned to the country.

Napoleon Bonaparte created the legion in 1802. It recognizes military, cultural, scientific or social contributions to France, including by people who are not French citizens.

Oscars come early

Without the burden of a live worldwide broadcast, members of the film academy threw themselves a lively yet relaxed dinner party to honor the first Oscar winners of the season.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences broke with tradition and presented its honorary Oscars off-camera Saturday night, months ahead of the televised ceremony in March.

Actress LaurenBacall, B-movie king RogerCormanand “Godfather” cinematographer GordonWillis each received Oscar statuettes during the black-tie banquet at the Grand Ballroom above the Kodak Theatre.

In addition, producer John Calley was honored with the Irving J. Thalberg Memorial Award, recognizing career accomplishments that include “Catch-22,” “The Remains of the Day” and “The Da Vinci Code.”

Bad day for the Boss

Want to get away, Boss?

Bruce Springsteen bellowed “Hello, Ohio!” to his fans at the Palace of Auburn Hills. That’s in Michigan.

The 60-year-old rock legend referred to the neighboring state several times Friday night—in a gaffe reminiscent of a recent TV commercial— until E Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zandt whispered in his ear

A visibly embarrassed Springsteen grinned and said such a mistake was “every front man’s nightmare.”

The Detroit Free Press says Springsteen rocked the forgiving audience for nearly three hours with new and old hits, including a complete performance of his album “Born to Run.”

More Madoff mess

Zsa Zsa Gabor’s lawyer blames convicted swindler Bernard Madoff for a hefty tax bill owed by his client.

According to documents obtained by the Associated Press on Friday, the Internal Revenue Service filed a lien of more than $118,000 for the years 2001 and 2002 against the 92-year-old actress on Oct. 5 in the Los Angeles County Recorder of Deeds.

Gabor lawyer Chris Fields estimates that Gabor lost about $7 million in Madoff’s Ponzi scheme and the tax bill is part of the fallout. Fields says third-party money managers invested Gabor’s money with Madoff.

Fields says Gabor and husband FredericvonAnhaltare pulling together their resources and working out a payment plan with the IRS.