Sat Jan 04 18:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 Eminent Figures

**WASHINGTON** – President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, upon 19 distinguished individuals on Saturday in a White House ceremony. The recipients represent a diverse range of fields, including politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science.

Among the notable honorees are former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, philanthropist George Soros, and actor-director Denzel Washington. Four posthumous awards were also given, recognizing the contributions of Fannie Lou Hamer, Robert F. Kennedy, George W. Romney, and Ash Carter. The recipients’ achievements, according to the White House, exemplify “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant social, public or private endeavors.”

The list of recipients also includes prominent philanthropists such as chef José Andrés and musician Bono; sports legends Lionel Messi and Earvin “Magic” Johnson; actors Michael J. Fox and William Sanford “Bill Nye” Nye; and other influential figures like Jane Goodall, Anna Wintour, Ralph Lauren, and Tim Gill.

This year’s recipients follow a similar ceremony last year, where President Biden honored 19 individuals, including the late Medgar Evers and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The diverse group of this year’s honorees reflects a broad spectrum of American achievement and influence.

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