Though movie star Dan Aykroyd doesn't have an Oscar, he did receive another prestigious award Wednesday: the Order of Canada.

Governor-General Romeo LeBlanc made him a Member of the Order of Canada in ceremonies Wednesday afternoon. Aykroyd is now a Hollywood star but he was born in Ottawa.

Fifty Canadians were honoured in all, including another actor, Gordon Pinsent. He was elevated to Companion, the highest level of the Order of Canada.

Former Tory cabinet minister Flora MacDonald was also elevated to Companion while another ex-politician was honoured: Don Getty, former premier of Alberta.

Writer Carol Shields -- no stranger to Rideau Hall having won a Governor General's Literary Award -- became an Officer of the order as well.

The Order of Canada is our country's highest honour for lifetime achievement. There are three levels of membership:

• The Companion level, recognizing the highest degree of service to Canada or humanity;
• The Officer level, recognizing national service and merit of a high degree;
• The Member level, recognizing outstanding contributions at the local or regional level or in a specialized field of activity.