CanLit legend Margaret Atwood has joined some very distinguished company after being named a commander of the French Order of Arts and Letters, which rewards people who have distinguished themselves in artistic or literary fields.

The 84 year old iconic Canadian author of The Handmaid’s Tale, Alias Grace and The Blind Assassin was granted the medal Wednesday at the French Embassy in Ottawa.

In presenting the award, the embassy cited Atwood’s contributions as a poet, novelist and critic, as well as the global relevance of her work.

Atwood says in a statement that she is thrilled by the honour, especially since she has some French ancestors, enjoys reading French literature and wrote parts of several of her books while living in France.

ZoomerMedia Founder Moses Znaimer is among those who’ve been bestowed with the same honour.