Biden awards final Medal of Freedom honors to Michael J. Fox, Denzel Washington, and others

President awards 19 influential figures, including Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and Bono, the Medal of Freedom.

President Joe Biden is concluding his presidency with a series of prestigious Medal of Freedom awards. 

On Saturday, the White House revealed the 19 honorees, which include notable figures like actor Denzel Washington, actor Michael J. Fox, and science educator Bill Nye. The awards ceremony is scheduled for January 4 at the White House.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the country's prosperity, values, security, or global peace. The White House statement emphasized that President Biden views these recipients as exceptional leaders who embody integrity and decency, and have made outstanding impacts on society.

Other honorees include chef José Andrés, U2’s Bono, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, environmentalist Jane Goodall, basketball star Magic Johnson, designer Ralph Lauren, soccer legend Lionel Messi, fashion icon Anna Wintour, and George Stevens, Jr., founder of the American Film Institute.

Denzel Washington had been previously selected for the honor in 2022 but missed the ceremony due to contracting COVID-19. This round of awards will bring Biden’s total to 56, setting a new record for medals awarded in a single term.