Bono, Anna Wintour, and Michael J Fox among those who receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Share:
U2 frontman Bono, Vogue editor-in-chief Dame Anna Wintour and British conservationist Dame Jane Goodall are among the famous faces who have received America's highest civilian honour from outgoing President Joe Biden. The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded to 19 people this year across politics, sports, entertainment and other fields.
Back To The Future actor and Parkinson's campaigner Michael J Fox, Oscar-winner Denzel Washington, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, basketball legend and businessman Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, and fashion designer Ralph Lauren were also among the recipients.
Ms Clinton was accompanied to the event by her husband former president Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and grandchildren. The politician was given a standing ovation when she received her medal. Jane Goodall is regarded as the world's foremost authority on chimpanzees. She was awarded a damehood in 2004, and the 2021 Templeton Prize, worth more than £1m.
The White House said the awards are given for "exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours". In his opening remarks, Mr Biden said: "For the final time as president I have the honour bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America.
