French-Armenian actor, playwright and theatre director Simon Abkarian has been awarded the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport's Gold Medal. The distinction was presented by Minister Zhanna Andreasyan.

The award recognizes Abkarian's outstanding contribution to international theatre and cinema, his role in promoting Armenian culture on the global stage, and his many years of work strengthening cultural ties between Armenia and France.

In addition to the ministry's distinction, Abkarian also received the Golden Apricot Master Award.

Expressing his gratitude, the artist said: "I am happy to be in Armenia and to be part of this wonderful festival."

Simon Abkarian is among the honorary guests of the 23rd Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival. As part of the festival, audiences on July 16 and 17 can watch director Antonin Baudry's two-part biographical drama De Gaulle, the Battle, in which Abkarian portrays General Charles de Gaulle.