On Saturday, January 4, US President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 distinguished individuals, celebrating their significant contributions to society. The prestigious honor, regarded as the highest civilian award in the United States, was presented to a diverse group of entertainers, athletes, activists, and diplomats.
Among the honorees was former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, recognized for her decades of public service and historic role as the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party. Soccer legend Lionel Messi, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, U2 frontman Bono, and billionaire philanthropist George Soros were also among the recipients.
The award was posthumously conferred on civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer, former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, and former Michigan Governor George W. Romney.
Other celebrated honorees included conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, NBA legend Magic Johnson, chef and humanitarian José Andrés, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, science educator Bill Nye, LGBTQ activist Tim Gill, philanthropist David Rubenstein, and American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.
During the ceremony, Biden praised the recipients for their collective impact on society, stating, “Together, you leave an incredible mark—an enduring legacy that has shaped our country in profound ways.”
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the prosperity, security, and values of the United States or advanced the cause of world peace.