President Joe Biden also honored Hillary Clinton, Lionel Messi, George Soros, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and more at the White House Saturday!
Denzel Washington can now add Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient to his list of accolades. In addition to Washington’s Oscar-winning acting career, the White House noted that he “served as National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.” Washington was previously selected to receive the honor in 2022, but he was unable to attend the ceremony due to contracting COVID-19. President Biden pledged to award him the honor at a future date.
President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science. Actor-director Denzel Washington, retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Spanish American chef José Andrés, whose World Central Kitchen charity has become one of the world’s most recognized food relief organizations, and Bono, the frontman for rock band U2 and a social justice activist were among those awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor on Saturday in a White House ceremony.
The White House said the recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”
“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” a statement from the White House read. “These nineteen 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.”
The Mount Vernon native is one of his generation’s most celebrated actors, directors, and producers. Throughout his career, he has won two Oscars for the films “Glory” and “Training Day,” in addition to receiving eight other nominations (including this year, for “The Tragedy of Macbeth”). Other honors he has received include a Tony Award for his work in the 2010 revival of “Fences” and a Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award (an honorary Golden Globe Award) in 2016 for outstanding contributions to the entertainment world. In 2020, The New York Times named Washington the greatest actor of the 21st century.
Four medals are to be awarded posthumously. They are going to Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act; former Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; and Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense.
The awards will be presented at the White House on January 4, 2025. The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom:
José Andrés
José Andrés is a renowned Spanish-American culinary innovator who popularized tapas in the United States. His World Central Kitchen provides large-scale relief to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.
Bono
Bono is the frontman for legendary rock band U2 and a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty. He brought together politicians from opposing parties to create the United States PEPFAR AIDS program, and is co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED).
Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous)
Ash Carter served as the 25th Secretary of Defense and devoted his career to making the nation safer for all. Throughout his career, he served under 11 Secretaries of Defense in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary Clinton made history many times over decades in public service, including as the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate. After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party.
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox is an actor who has won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award. He is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.
Tim Gill
Tim Gill is a visionary entrepreneur whose work has advanced LGBTQI rights and equality. After transforming the publishing industry through groundbreaking software, he leveraged his success to secure key victories in the fight for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.
Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall is a world-renowned ethologist and conservationist whose research transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution. She is a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world.
Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous)
Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer transformed the struggle for racial justice in America. As a founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, she challenged the exclusion of Black voices in the political system and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a legendary retired basketball player who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. Off the court, he is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
In a biography read during the ceremony, the White House cited Johnson’s success as a basketball player — citing his accolades as an MVP-winner, Olympic gold medalist, and Hall of Famer — as well as his business empire, his philanthropy with underserved communities and his groundbreaking advocacy around HIV/AIDS.
“With unmatched vision and versatility, Earvin “Magic” Johnson drove the “Showtime” era for the Los Angeles Lakers … Under the same bright lights, his honesty about his HIV status shattered stigma and saved lives,” the bio read, leading to an applause from the audience. “With a legendary will and smile, Magic Johnson rose from the playground in Lansing, Michigan to become one of the most beloved athletes of our time.”
The 6’9″ Johnson had to squat to allow Biden to attach the medal around his neck, prompting a good-hearted laugh from the audience.
Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous)
Robert Francis Kennedy is remembered as an Attorney General who fiercely combatted racial segregation, and as a United States Senator who sought to address poverty and inequality in the country. His legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and public service.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is a fashion designer who redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition. He has influenced culture, business, and philanthropy, notably in the fight against cancer and the preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer. He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
William Sanford Nye
Bill Nye has inspired and influenced generations of American students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” His dedication to science education continues through his work as CEO of the Planetary Society and as a vocal advocate for space exploration and environmental stewardship.
George W. Romney (posthumous)
George Romney was a businessman who served as the chairman and president of American Motors Corporation. A public servant, he later served as both the 43rd Governor of Michigan and the 3rd Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
David M. Rubenstein
David Rubenstein is co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, where he built one of the most successful global investment firms. He is renowned for his philanthropy and generous support for the restoration of historic landmarks and the country’s cultural institutions.
George Soros
George Soros is an investor, philanthropist, and founder of the Open Society Foundations. Through his network of foundations, partners and projects in more than 120 countries, Soros has focused on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.
George Stevens, Jr.
George Stevens, Jr. is an award-winning writer, director, author, and playwright. His career has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the best of American film and the performing arts, including by founding the American Film Institute and creating the Kennedy Center Honors.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is an actor, director, and producer who has won two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also served as National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.
Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour is a renowned fashion icon who has led Vogue as editor-in-chief since 1988. A champion for philanthropic causes, she is also the leading architect behind the annual Met Gala fundraiser and chief content officer of Condé Nast.
Before Saturday, President Biden had awarded 37 medals during his tenure in office. This latest round of honorees will bring his total to 56, the most ever given during a single presidential term. Biden’s previous honorees include Olympians Megan Rapinoe, Katie Ledecky, and Simone Biles (the youngest recipient ever at 25 years old); politicians Gabrielle Gifford, John McCain (posthumously), and Nancy Pelosi; and actress Michelle Yeoh.
