President Biden Gives his Final Medal of Freedom Honors to Michael J. Fox, Bill Nye, Denzel Washington, and More
by Maureen Lee Lenker
January 4, 2025


President Joe Biden is closing out his term with a string of starry Medal of Freedom honorees. On Saturday, the White House announced the 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The award is considered the nation's highest civilian honor. It is presented to individuals who have made "exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors."

The awards will be presented in person at the White House on Jan. 4th.




The White House's statement read:

"President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else. These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world."




The 19 recipients include:

Chef José Andrés
U2's Bono
Olympian Simone Biles (the youngest ever recipient at 25)
Hilary Clinton
Michael J. Fox
Scientist Jane Goodall
Gabrielle Gifford
Magic Johnson
Ralph Lauren
Olympian Katie Ledecky
John McCain (posthumously)
Soccer Star Lionel Messi
Bill Nye
Nancy Pelosi
Olympian Megan Rapinoe
George Stevens, Jr. (founder of the American Film Institute and the Kennedy Center Honors)
Denzel Washington
Anna Wintour
Michelle Yeoh

https://ew.com/president-bidens-last-medal-of-freedom-honorees-denzel-washington-michael-j-fox-more-8769183