(ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION)<br/> <br />STORY: He may be best known for his tough man roles, but a softly-spoken Bruce Willis seemed humbled as he received the prestigious Commander of Arts and Literature award in Paris on Monday (February 11).<br/> <br />With his wife model and actress Emma Heming looking on, Willis expressed his fondness for the country celebrating his work.<br/> <br />Previously an Officer of Arts and Literature in France, and Willis' new role as Commander puts him in the same league as David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Michael Caine.<br/> <br />French Culture Minister Aurelie Filipetti praised Willis' diverse roles from Pulp Fiction to his iconic portrayal of John McClane in the Die Hard films, currently on their fifth installment.<br/> <br />Asked why he thought his work resonated so much with French audiences, Willis said the feminine power behind his tough guy characters was key.<br/> <br />Willis' latest outing as McClane, 'A Good Day to Die Hard', will hit cinemas worldwide on February 14.
