PHOTOS: President Biden Honors Nineteen with Presidential Medal of Freedom

Source: Tom Brenner / Getty

PHOTOS: President Biden Honors Nineteen with Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Joe Biden awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom to nineteen individuals in a ceremony that celebrated their extraordinary contributions across various fields.

This award, the nation’s highest civilian honor, is granted to individuals who have profoundly impacted the country and the world through their achievements and service.

At the forefront of the honorees were sports icons Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Lionel Messi.

Johnson, known for his legendary basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers, was celebrated not only for his athletic achievements but also for his groundbreaking advocacy on HIV/AIDS awareness and his community-focused philanthropy.

Messi, one of soccer’s most decorated stars, was recognized for his contributions to education and healthcare through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received a standing ovation for her historic public service, including her milestones as the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.

Actor Michael J. Fox, an advocate for Parkinson’s disease research, was honored alongside fellow Hollywood legend Denzel Washington, who has been long recognized for his mentorship work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Notable cultural figures included Bono, U2’s frontman, whose activism against poverty and HIV/AIDS has brought together politicians across aisles to drive impactful programs such as the PEPFAR AIDS initiative.

Vogue editor Anna Wintour was recognized for her lasting influence in the fashion world and her philanthropic efforts supporting arts and AIDS research.

Chef José Andrés, famed for his humanitarian efforts through World Central Kitchen, was celebrated for providing critical food relief in disaster zones worldwide.

Philanthropist George Soros, known for championing democracy and human rights through his Open Society Foundations, also received the honor alongside others such as conservationist Jane Goodall, who has revolutionized the field of animal behavior and environmental advocacy.

Posthumous awards were given to figures like civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, whose activism paved the way for the Voting Rights Act, and former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who is remembered for his fight for racial justice and equality.

President Biden praised the recipients for their “remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment” to bettering the world. Spanning the fields of public service, arts, sports, and activism, this year’s awardees exemplified the core values of courage, dedication, and a vision for progress.

Take a look below at photos of the Nineteen Presidential Medal of Freedom Honorees.