Head of State Bestows Medal of Honor on Liza Minnelli

Head of State Bestows Medal of Honor on Liza Minnelli
Santo Domingo, 24/11/2010

Dominican President Leonel Fernández conferred the Order of Christopher Columbus on American actress and singer, Liza Minnelli, in a ceremony held at the Ambassador’s Hall of the National Palace.

Speaking at the ceremony, the well-known actress said the award bestowed upon her by President Fernández was better than the Oscar she won in 1972 for her part in “Cabaret.”

> With this distinction, as constituted under Decree 647-10, the President recognized the merits of Liza Minnelli in the area of art and film. President Fernández, accompanied by First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, received Ms. Minnelli in his office. She was accompanied by Omar de la Cruz, General Director of the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival (DRGFF) which took place in the DR last week.

Speaking at the ceremony, the well-known actress said the award bestowed upon her by President Fernández was better than the Oscar she won in 1972 for her part in “Cabaret.”

In addition to the President and his wife, others present at the ceremony included Vice President Rafael Alburquerque and Minister of the Presidency, César Pina Toribio. Accompanying Ms. Minnelli was Pedro Garcia, the entertainment businessman who organized her trip to the Dominican Republic. There were also several musicians on hand.
Dozens of film directors and actors who participated in the DR Global Film Festival which was organized by FUNGLODE and its sister organization in the US, the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), were also present at the ceremony according to the Presidential Office of Information, Press and Publicity.