Crossword Puzzle Never important as talent

Clue: Never important as talent

"L'___, c'est moi" (self-important slogan ascribed to Louis XIV) (ETAT with 4 letters)
As important as talent in the '80s (LOOK with 4 letters)
Asia's most important crop (RICE with 4 letters)
(Has) ascended (RISEN with 5 letters)
ASPIRE? (CHURCHTOPPER with 12 letters)
Aspiring doctor's hurdle (ORALEXAMINATION with 15 letters)
Makes an illegal assist? (ABETS with 5 letters)
Deserving assistance (NEEDY with 5 letters)
Assists in illegality (ABETS with 5 letters)
World oil assn. (OPEC with 4 letters)