Oscar winner Juliette Binoche received the Kerry Film Festival Maureen O’Hara Award this weekend.

The French actress, who won an Oscar for her role in the 1996 film, “The English Patient”, linked arms with the 90-year-old Hollywood legend, Maureen O’Hara, as they entered the auditorium on Saturday.

The award was presented at the end of this year’s, the 11th annual, Kerry Film Festival.

The Maureen O’Hara award for women is for excellence in film and being concerned in the matter outside the film world. Binoche as well as having a prolific acting career has spoken out against the detention of Iranian director, Jafar Panahi in the past.

Accepting the award Binoche thanked “Maureen for all the stories you have given us”.

O’Hara said that she hoped the award, a crystal vase, would hold flowers for many years to come. She also called on encouragement for young Ireland and struck a patriotic note. She said “Just give them a chance. Let them have a go…give them a crack at it…Because we’re the best in the world” she said.