See photos of the 19 individuals who were awarded the honor this year by President Joe Biden.
President Joe Biden is awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton and 18 others “who have made America a better place,” the White House announced early Saturday. The awards were later presented the same day at the White House.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, 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.
Scroll through our gallery to see photos of the 19 honorees.
1 of 19
Hillary Clinton
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Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:25PM 2 of 19
Michael J. Fox
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Actor and advocate Michael J. Fox was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:25PM 3 of 19
Denzel Washington
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Actor Denzel Washington was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:25PM 4 of 19
Lionel Messi
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Soccer legend Lionel Messi of Argentina was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025, though he was not in attendance at the ceremony at the White House.
January 4, 2025, 6:43PM 5 of 19
Bill Nye
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Science educator Bill Nye was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:43PM
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6 of 19
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
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Basketball icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:46PM 7 of 19
Dr. Jane Goodall
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Dr. Jane Goodall was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:43PM 8 of 19
Robert F. Kennedy
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Robert F. Kennedy was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously by Biden on January 4, 2025. Kerry Kennedy received the honor on behalf of her late father.
January 4, 2025, 6:25PM 9 of 19
George Soros
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George Soros was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025. Alex Soros accepted the honor on behalf of his father.
January 4, 2025, 6:25PM 10 of 19
Ashton B. Carter
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Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:43PM 11 of 19
José Andrés
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Chef and humanitarian José Andrés was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:43PM 12 of 19
Bono
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Bono was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:43PM 13 of 19
Tim Gill
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Human rights activist Tim Gill was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:43PM 14 of 19
Ralph Lauren
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Fashion designer Ralph Lauren was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:43PM 15 of 19
Fannie Lou Hamer
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Fannie Lou Hamer was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously by Biden on January 4, 2025. Doris Hamer Richardson, niece of the late civil rights activist, received the honor on her behalf.
January 4, 2025, 6:43PM 16 of 19
George W. Romney
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George W. Romney was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously by Biden on January 4, 2025. Mitt Romney accepted the honor on behalf of his late father.
January 4, 2025, 6:43PM 17 of 19
David M. Rubenstein
AFP via Getty Images
Philanthropist David M. Rubenstein was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:44PM 18 of 19
George Stevens, Jr.
AFP via Getty Images
Writer, director, author, and playwright George Stevens, Jr. was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
January 4, 2025, 6:46PM 19 of 19
Anna Wintour
AFP via Getty Images
Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.
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