The honor is awarded by the French ministry of culture to those who have made a significant contribution to the propagation of French culture abroad.

Zaoralova was awarded the first grade of the distinction – knight – in 2002; she has now been recognized with what is dubbed the second grade: officer.

A veteran Czech film journalist and critic, Zaoralova played a fundamental role in burnishing the reputation of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival (www.kviff.com), guiding its selection and programming process from 1995 – 2010. She remains affiliated as artistic consultant.

Her extensive career was also honored in 2010 by Czech president Vaclav Klaus, who granted her the state Medal of Merit for her services in culture. In summer the president of Poland presented her with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit for her contribution to the development of Polish-Czech cultural dialogue. Zaoralova is also a member of the Honourary Board of Advisors to FNE.