Michael J Fox & Denzel Washington among stars to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden
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BACK to the Future star Michael J Fox is congratulated by outgoing President Joe Biden after getting the US’s highest civilian honour. Fox — Marty McFly in the 1985 time-travel caper — was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.
![[Back to the Future star Michael J Fox is given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by outgoing President Joe Biden]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/actor-michael-j-fox-awarded-961529898.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The 63-year-old, who has Parkinson’s, set up a foundation to fund research into the disease. Actor Denzel Washington and Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour, 75 also received the award. Argentine footie hero Lionel Messi was on the list too, but could not make the ceremony.
![[Actor Denzel Washington was also given the US’s highest civilian honour by the President]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-presidential-medal-freedom-nation-961581482.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Each received a medal consisting of a white star with a blue crest coated with gold stars, sat on a red background and carried by a blue ribbon. It is given to entertainers, sports stars, politicians and diplomats who have made “exemplary contributions”.
![[Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour also received the award from Joe Biden]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/fashion-icon-anna-wintour-receives-961619508.jpg?strip=all&w=960){kind=icon}
Speaking at the event, Mr Biden, 82, said: “For the final time as president I have the honour bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honour, 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.
![[Michael J Fox stars in 1985's Back to the Future]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NINTCHDBPICT000644401747.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country.”. President-elect Donald Trump bestowed controversial golf maestro Tiger Woods the award during his previous term in power. The Republican leader, 78, will take office on January 20 after winning the US election in November.
