Bob Dylan has been honoured with France's higest award.

The veteran singer-songwriter received the the Legion of Honour, which was established by Napoleon and is presented to individuals who have served France in various ways, at a brief ceremony in Paris last night (November 13).

Culture Minister Aurelie Filippetti presented Dylan with the honour before making a speech in which she referred to his songs and sought to tie them to eras and causes such as the US civil rights movement. Filippetti also said he was a hero for young people hungry for justice and independence. Dylan said simply that he was "proud and grateful" and left, reports BBC News. His award was temporarily blocked earlier this year after army general Jean-Louis Georgelin, the Grand Chancellor of the Legion, voiced reservations about his use of cannabis and anti-war politics.

Earlier this month, producer and Daft Punk collaborator Giorgio Moroder revealed Dylan nearly provided a song for the film Rambo. Moroder said that he had composed a song for Dylan at actor Sylvester Stallone's request, in the hope of tempting the legendary singer to provide lyrics.

He continued: "He listened to it about four times. I'm not sure if he didn't like the music that much, or if he wasn't interested because of the nature of the movie, which was totally anti-Russian, anti-communist. I think he didn't feel like being involved with a movie such as Rambo. It was nice to meet him and it could have worked, but it didn't work out."