WASHINGTON — Hillary Clinton, George Soros, and Denzel Washington are among nineteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The White House ceremony will take place on Saturday.
President Biden will present the awards to individuals recognized for their outstanding contributions across various fields including politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science.
The White House cited the recipients’ “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”
Four posthumous awards will be given to Fannie Lou Hamer, Robert F. Kennedy, George W. Romney, and Ash Carter.
Among the recipients are Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s father and Mitt Romney’s father.
Notable philanthropists José Andrés and Bono will also receive the medal.
In the fields of sports and entertainment, honorees include Lionel Messi, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Michael J. Fox, and Bill Nye.
Additional recipients are Jane Goodall, Anna Wintour, Ralph Lauren, George Stevens Jr., Tim Gill, and David Rubenstein.
Last year’s recipients included Medgar Evers, Nancy Pelosi, James Clyburn, and Michelle Yeoh.