President Joe Biden will bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon 19 distinguished individuals, including Vogue's editor-in-chief Dame Anna Wintour, U2's frontman Bono, and billionaire philanthropist George Soros. The White House announced that these recipients have been praised as "good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world." The awards will take place in a ceremony at the White House on Saturday.
Bono, whose birth name is Paul David Hewson, has received numerous accolades, including France's highest cultural honor and an honorary knighthood, largely for his advocacy against poverty and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS. Wintour has been a pivotal figure in the fashion industry since 1988 and played a significant role in raising over $20 million for AIDS research. Moreover, she has actively supported the UK arts sector following significant funding cuts last year.
Other recipients include high-profile political figures such as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is receiving the award shortly before Biden's presidency begins following an electoral defeat to Donald Trump in 2016. Both Soros and Clinton are recognized for their influential roles in American politics.
The list of honorees also reflects a diverse array of cultural icons, such as actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, soccer superstar Lionel Messi, and basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Renowned fashion designer Ralph Lauren is part of this esteemed group as well. Other noteworthy recipients include humanitarian chef José Andrés, who has gained recognition for his efforts in providing meals in disaster-stricken regions, acclaimed conservationist Jane Goodall, and influential science educator Bill Nye.
Some awards will be presented posthumously to recipients like former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, and civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer, alongside former Governor of Michigan George W. Romney. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established under President John F. Kennedy, is awarded at the president's discretion, guided by an external advisory panel. Past honorees include Simone Biles, Michelle Yeoh, and Steve Jobs, signifying the honor's longstanding history of recognizing exemplary individuals.
