Among those honored with America’s highest civilian award from outgoing President Joe Biden are Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour, U2 frontman Bono, and billionaire philanthropist George Soros.
Hillary Clinton, the former US Secretary of State, also received the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony at the White House on Saturday, alongside celebrities such as Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox.
This year, a total of nineteen individuals were recognized, representing various fields including culture, politics, and activism.
The White House stated that the honorees were selected for being “good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
“Together, you leave an incredible mark—this group, I sincerely mean it—on our country,” the statement continued.
Bono, whose birth name is Paul David Hewson, has previously received France’s highest cultural distinction and an honorary knighthood, as well as being known for his advocacy against poverty and for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Wintour has been the influential editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988. Beyond her role in fashion, she has raised over $20 million for AIDS research and supported UK arts initiatives following funding cuts in 2022.
Regarding George Soros, the White House highlighted his contributions to numerous organizations and projects worldwide focused on democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.
Hillary Clinton received her award just weeks before her former political opponent is set to take office, having been the Democratic candidate who lost to Donald Trump in the 2016 election.
Other distinguished recipients included Inter Miami soccer star Lionel Messi, retired Los Angeles Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and renowned fashion designer Ralph Lauren.
The cohort also included George Stevens Jr., founder of the American Film Institute, and David Rubinstein, former chair of the Kennedy Center.
Additional honorees were humanitarian and chef José Andrés, distinguished conservationist Jane Goodall, and science educator Bill Nye.
Posthumous awards were granted to former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, and former Michigan Governor George W. Romney.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was established by former President John F. Kennedy, is awarded at the president’s discretion based on recommendations from an external advisory panel.
Notable previous recipients include the most decorated gymnast Simone Biles, Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.