by: Bee Delores
Last Updated: January 8, 2025
6 min read
6 min read
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Held in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on January 4, 2025, the Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony honored outstanding individuals.
Whether we’re talking about scientific contributions or those made in the film, the ceremony recognizes diverse contributions.
Each one of the individuals mentioned below truly deserves the award. Keep reading to find out more about these icons.
Hillary Clinton was also recognized at the ceremony for her decades-long public service and historic achievements. Some of her groundbreaking roles include First Lady, U.S. Senator from New York, Secretary of State, and 2016 Presidential Nominee.
This award is a recognition of Hillary’s significant impact on American society and her unwavering commitment to public service.
Bono, the lead singer of U2, has made numerous efforts to address causes related to poverty and preventable diseases, particularly in Africa. He has co-founded several influential organizations, including ONE Campaign and RED .
Bono has been active in several humanitarian causes, raising awareness and providing helpful resources. He has significantly improved the lives of millions across Africa.
Ralph Lauren, the fashion icon’s influence in the fashion industry, was also recognized during the ceremony. He became the first in his field to receive this honor, and rightly so.
The iconic Polo shirt and the Ralph Lauren bear sweater have become a staple in American fashion. Ralph has also established the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, which focuses on cancer care and prevention, advocacy and access, and community resilience.
Michael was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his relentless efforts to research Parkinson’s disease. Michael himself was diagnosed with the disease in 1991, publicly disclosed it in 1998, and established the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000.
Since then, the organization has raised nearly two billion funds to fund research studies to find the cure.
Fox, during the ceremony, expressed his gratitude, saying, “On behalf of the million or so people with Parkinson’s, the hundreds of millions of family members, friends, and caregivers, I am so grateful for this honor.”
Widely known as the Science Guy , Bill Nye was awarded at the ceremony for his exceptional contributions to science education and his several efforts to make science accessible to the common man.
He has actively participated in climate change activism and science communication. Nye hosted Bill Nye the Science Guy , an Emmy Award-winning television program.
A renowned primatologist and conservationist, Jane Goodall has also been awarded for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees. Jane’s lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation is truly exemplary.
In 1977, Jane founded the Jane Goodall Institute dedicated to wildlife preservation, research, and education. She’s truly deserving of the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Chef José Andrés was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his humanitarian efforts. He founded the World Central Kitchen in 2010, which is a non-profit organization that works to provide fresh meals in times of crisis.
The Chef has used food as a tool for change. This has significantly impacted global humanitarian efforts.
The remarkable editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, Anna Wintour, is recognized for her profound impact on fashion journalism and reporting. Since taking on this position at Vogue in 1988, she has transformed the organization into a leading authority in fashion journalism.
She has been active in supporting up-and-coming designers and has established the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. Anna Wintour has been dedicated to advancing fashion journalism, solidifying her position at the top.
Earvin Magic Johnson, a legendary basketball player, has garnered outstanding sports achievements. He has made significant contributions to HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
Johnson played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979 to 1991 and was part of the U.S. Dream Team that won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona. Johnson publicized his HIV status in 1991, becoming the first athlete to do so.
George Soros has been an active advocate of democracy, human rights, and education. He has made several contributions to these fields through his Open Society Foundations .
OSF , established in 1993, operates in over 100 counties, advocating for worthy causes. George has also worked to promote independent media.
Lionel Messi, the soccer legend, has made exceptional contributions to the sport. However, his efforts are not just limited to soccer, as he has also supported children’s health and education.
The Messi Foundation works towards providing access to education and health care for vulnerable children. And the icon is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Tim Gill’s name comes among the most prominent entrepreneurs in the country. Besides entrepreneurial efforts, Gill has also made significant advancements in philanthropy.
He founded Quark Software , which is a leading platform in content automation. Tim has revolutionized the publishing industry.
Co-founder of the Carlyle Group, David has done significant work for the betterment of American society. His global investment firm has grown to become one of the largest ones in the industry.
He has also made countless fruitful efforts in the restoration of historic landmarks. Rubenstein has extended his philanthropic efforts to various cultural institutions.
Aged 92 years, George Stevens, Jr. is the founder of the American Film Institute (AFI) and a distinguished filmmaker. He has played a pivotal role in the restoration and preservation of some of the classics in the film industry.
It was under Steven’s leadership that the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award was introduced. He has also produced and directed several notable projects.
Posthumous honors were awarded to civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Ashton Baldwin Carter, the 25th Secretary of Defense, and former Michigan Governor George Romney. The contributions of these remarkable individuals were recognized.
Their lasting legacy was highlighted with the Presidential award, acknowledging their hard work. From working on progressive educational policies to advocating for social justice, these individuals did it all.
The acclaimed actor and director Denzel Washington also received the award for his outstanding contributions to American culture and philanthropy. Washington is well-known for his powerful performances in Malcolm X , Training Day , and Fences .
Washington, throughout his career, has garnered multiple awards and accolades, including two Academy Awards. Beyond film entertainment, Washington has made numerous contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.
Check out Denzel Washington’s Iconic Role in Gladiator II to get an insight into the actor’s recent role.
The event was a poignant one, marked by heartfelt moments, emotional speeches, and appreciation for hard work and talent. Joe Biden, in his address, emphasized the recipient’s impact on American society.
Dignitaries, family members, and friends were in attendance. The event was a celebration of the achievements of 19 individuals.
Did you know Joe Biden is one of the contenders for Times Person of the Year? Read Who Deserves TIME’s Person of the Year to learn more and see who might win.
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Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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