The Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, is set to be awarded by outgoing President Joe Biden to distinguished individuals including Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour, U2's Bono, and billionaire philanthropist George Soros. This year, 19 notable figures will receive this accolade, as they have been recognized for their extraordinary contributions to society and the world, as highlighted by the White House.
The award ceremony will take place at the White House this Saturday. Bono, whose real name is Paul David Hewson, isn't just the famed frontman of the iconic rock band U2, he is also a renowned humanitarian known for his tireless campaigns against global poverty and support for those afflicted by HIV/AIDS.
Anna Wintour, having served as the editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988, has significantly impacted the fashion industry and actively contributes to charitable causes, including raising over $20 million for AIDS research and supporting the arts in the UK after funding cuts in 2022.
George Soros, the influential financier and major donor to Democratic causes, has been a prominent critic of former President Donald Trump, adding to his profile as a controversial yet impactful figure in political philanthropy. Hillary Clinton, who is alongside Soros on the list of awardees, will receive the medal just weeks before the inauguration of her former political rival.
The list of honorees this year features cultural icons including actor Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and sports legends like Lionel Messi, as well as fashion designer Ralph Lauren and humanitarian chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, which provides meals in crisis zones. Additionally, notable figures such as British conservationist Jane Goodall and science communicator Bill Nye are among the recipients.
Several awards will also be given posthumously, honoring the legacies of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer, and former Michigan Governor George W. Romney.
Established under President John F. Kennedy, the Medal of Freedom is conferred at the president's discretion based on recommendations from an advisory panel, building on a legacy that has previously honored prominent figures such as gymnast Simone Biles and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
The award ceremony will take place at the White House this Saturday. Bono, whose real name is Paul David Hewson, isn't just the famed frontman of the iconic rock band U2, he is also a renowned humanitarian known for his tireless campaigns against global poverty and support for those afflicted by HIV/AIDS.
Anna Wintour, having served as the editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988, has significantly impacted the fashion industry and actively contributes to charitable causes, including raising over $20 million for AIDS research and supporting the arts in the UK after funding cuts in 2022.
George Soros, the influential financier and major donor to Democratic causes, has been a prominent critic of former President Donald Trump, adding to his profile as a controversial yet impactful figure in political philanthropy. Hillary Clinton, who is alongside Soros on the list of awardees, will receive the medal just weeks before the inauguration of her former political rival.
The list of honorees this year features cultural icons including actor Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and sports legends like Lionel Messi, as well as fashion designer Ralph Lauren and humanitarian chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, which provides meals in crisis zones. Additionally, notable figures such as British conservationist Jane Goodall and science communicator Bill Nye are among the recipients.
Several awards will also be given posthumously, honoring the legacies of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer, and former Michigan Governor George W. Romney.
Established under President John F. Kennedy, the Medal of Freedom is conferred at the president's discretion based on recommendations from an advisory panel, building on a legacy that has previously honored prominent figures such as gymnast Simone Biles and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
