Photo: Tom Brenner (Getty Images)
Photo: Tom Brenner (Getty Images)
Ralph Lauren, Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall, Denzel Washington, and Bono are among 19 people who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden in a ceremony (January 4) at the White House.
Other recipients on the list of 19 honorees include soccer star Lionel Messi, basketball legend Magic Johnson, Michael J Fox, Bill Nighy, chef José Andrés, and Anna Wintour.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States’ highest civilian honor, presented to people who have made significant contributions to the “prosperity, values, or security” of the nation, furthered world peace, or made other important and recognizable “societal, public, or private endeavors.”
The event took place at the White House on Saturday January 4, with awardees in attendance. Messi was unable to attend due to a scheduling issue. Four medals were bestowed posthumously.
“Together, you leave an incredible mark—and I mean this sincerely, this group—you leave an incredible mark on our country,” Biden said while addressing the honorees.
“For the final time as president I have the honor of bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” he said in opening remarks.
“Let me just say to each of you…thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country.”
Ralph Lauren is the first fashion designer ever to receive the honor, in recognition of his meritorious contributions as a designer, entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist. Among a portfolio of awards and global plaudits, Lauren was made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 2019, becoming the first American designer to receive that distinction. He is also recognized for his philanthropy and advocacy for cancer care.
Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, former secretary of state under the Obama administration, U.S. senator for New York, and former first lady, received a standing ovation from the crowd in the room when she stood to receive her medal. Her husband and former President Bill Clinton, their daughter Chelsea, and grandchildren were there to support her.
Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a UN Messenger of Peace, is renowned for her work as an ethologist and 65 years of research with wild chimpanzees that has bolstered the longest-running wild chimpanzee study in the world in Gombe, Tanzania. The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), founded in 1977, remains a global, community-led conservation, research, advocacy, and youth empowerment organization.
Denzel Washington has been recognized for his contributions to the arts and entertainment industry, as a celebrated American actor, director, and producer both on stage and screen. This comes, too, just as Washington enters awards season; on Sunday, he is up for best supporting actor for his role in Gladiator II at the Golden Globes. Washington’s other accolades include two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, and three Golden Globe Awards, as well as Grammy and Emmy nominations. Washington was previously selected to receive the honor from President Biden in 2022, however he was unable to attend after contracting COVID-19. President Biden has honored his pledge to award Washington on a future date with this year’s proceedings.
Bono, the Irish U2 musician, philanthropist, activist, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, was also awarded the medal by Biden. His advocacy work has focused on global poverty and HIV/AIDS. He received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 for his services to the British music industry and his humanitarian efforts, and was appointed a Commandeur of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) in 2013.
Back to the Future actor Michael J Fox was honored as one of the “most beloved” actors of all time, as well as for his continued advocacy for people with Parkinson’s. He showed great emotion when receiving his medal.
“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else. These 19 Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world,” read a statement from the White House.
A bit of history on the honor: President Harry S. Truman first created the award in 1945, as the Medal of Freedom, but the medal was given its current name by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. It comes in two degrees: the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Presidential Medal of Freedom “with distinction.” It is bestowed by the current sitting president.
A formal nomination and selection process for recipients doesn’t exist, but the president has the power under an executive order to award the medal to “any person recommended to the President for award of the Medal or any person selected by the President upon his own initiative.” Selections usually reflect a president’s interests, both political and personal—across politics, the arts, and activism, for example. Members of Congress can and have also sent nomination suggestions.
The medal itself is a white star over a red pentagon, ringed by five golden eagles. At the star’s center is a blue circle with 13 gold stars.
Previous honorees are varied. Last year, President Biden awarded Michelle Yeoh for an expansive, four decade-long film career, recognizing her achievement as the first Asian person to win the Academy Award for best actress. Other former recipients include Steven Spielberg, Muhammad Ali, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Athlete and activist Simone Biles remains the youngest person ever to receive this award, at age 25 in 2022.
Following this year’s awards, Biden has honored 56 people, clocking in the most ever given during a single presidential term.
This article was originally published on Vogue.com.
- A New Documentary Looks Back At The Wildest ’90s Fashion Moments – As Seen In Vogue
- All in A Day’s Work: Hillary Taymour Transforms a Dress from Anna Wintour’s Closet at Forces of Fashion
- Exclusive: Naomi Biden On Her White House Wedding
- “Our Job is to Reflect”: Vogue Editors on the Role of Fashion Publications
