Chinese-French actress Sandrine Pinna showcases a medal of the Knight of Honor, a new award from the Taiwan Golden Horse Film Awards, November 27, 2008. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

Veteran Taiwan actress Chang Mei-Yao and film investor Lin Tianrong are the first recipients of the Knight of Honor at the Taiwan Golden Horse Awards, known as the Chinese-language Oscars.

The awards committee decided to create the award to honor those who have made significant contributions to Taiwan's film industry, the awards' Web site said Thursday.

Chang Mei-Yao, who debuted on the silver screen in 1957, was praised as a longstanding role model for younger actors. And Lin Tianrong has long been a financial supporter for local filmmakers.

The two will be presented with the award medal on December 5, one day before the main ceremony of the 45th annual Golden Horse Awards.

Chinese-French actress Sandrine Pinna was invited to unveil the design of the medal on Thursday.

Pinna has been nominated for this year's Best Leading Actress award for the film "Miao Miao".