Famed screen artist Omar Sharif receives UNESCO Eisenstein Medal

Film actor Omar Sharif today received an award in Paris from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in recognition of his contribution to cultural diversity.

UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura presented the Sergei Eisenstein Medal to the famed screen artist during a ceremony at the agency's headquarters.

The medal, bearing the likeness and signature of world cinema giant Sergei Eisenstein is awarded to deserving individuals from the world of cinematography for their contribution a dialogue among peoples, according to UNESCO.

The number of medals to be awarded has been limited to 25 under the terms of an agreement on the initiative between UNESCO, the Russian film company MOSFILM and the Russian VIVAT Foundation for music and the theatre.