Eiji Aonuma receives Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in Paris

Eiji Aonuma received the title of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters from the French government at a ceremony in Paris on October 23, 2026. The French Ministry of Culture announced the honor in 2023. Kotaku confirmed the ministry held the ceremony in October 2026.

France’s Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard presented Aonuma with his medallion at the French Ministry of Culture ceremony. She called him a storyteller who always leaves room for the player’s imagination. Pégard also thanked Aonuma for inspiring children of the whole world to dream during the same ceremony.

Aonuma delivered a statement in French at the ceremony, encouraging fans to continue the adventure together. He ended his speech in French for his wife, who attended the event. A tweet from journalist Chloé Woitier dated October 23, 2026, shows Aonuma ending his speech in French. Kotaku reported that Aonuma prepared his own French remarks for the event.

Aonuma started working at Nintendo in 1988. He directed Ocarina of Time, a role that cemented his legacy at the company.

He has worked on every mainline Zelda entry since Ocarina of Time and on most spin-offs. Aonuma shaped Link’s adventures from the Nintendo 64 era through Wind Waker. His work on the series continued through Breath of the Wild. He also oversaw a remake of Ocarina of Time.

The French Order of Arts and Letters is awarded to just 200 people worldwide each year for creating something of outstanding cultural significance. Holders of the order may not add Sir to their names.

The order recognizes artists regardless of nationality and often covers a diverse array of mediums. Aonuma shares his Order of Arts and Letters class with jazz musician Kenny Garrett. The class also includes actress Richa Chadha and Ranma 1⁄2 creator Rumiko Takahashi.

Shigeru Miyamoto received the Order of Arts and Letters title in 2006. Peter Molyneux received it in 2007. Michel Ancel was the first game creator to receive Knight status under the order in 2006. He received it alongside Shigeru Miyamoto and Frederick Raynal.

Aonuma received the French knighthood in 2023. IGN and Kotaku both documented the 2023 honor.

The French Ministry of Culture announced earlier in 2026 that it intended to give the Order of Arts and Letters to Sandfall Interactive. The studio was the first entire game studio to share one ribbon. Sandfall Interactive received Knight status under the order for its significant contribution to France’s art and culture.

The studio created Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The game launched in April 2025. It received universal acclaim.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won a record nine of 13 Game Awards nominations. It was named IGN’s Game of 2025. Recognition by the French Ministry of Culture for video game work is rare. Recognition for an entire studio is unique.