Selection: Michalis Katsigeras

JEAN COCTEAU: Paris – Jean Cocteau, enfant terrible of France’s artistic and literary circles, has been made an honorary member of the American Academy and the National Institute of Arts and Letters. US Ambassador to France Amory Houghton made the awards to Cocteau at a reception at the American Embassy. Cocteau, 67, is a poet, dramatist, painter, writer, essayist, as well as composer of a song for the wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco. Cocteau accepted the award in the name of France. Houghton spoke of Cocteau as a “great poet and dramatist.” “We also recognize your interest in other forms of literature and the arts. In your speeches and articles in the press,” he added, ”you have taught two generations of men and women, including Americans living abroad.” The American institutions also stressed that Cocteau had influenced international culture and contributed to the greatness of the century. BERLIN FESTIVAL: Berlin – The 7th Berlin Film Festival opened last night with a screening of the French film “The Adventures of Arsene Lupin.”