President Joe Biden is set to honor 19 distinguished individuals, including Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour, U2 frontman Bono, and billionaire philanthropist George Soros, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian award in the United States. The announcement came from the White House, which describes this year's awardees as "good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world."
The ceremony, scheduled for Saturday at the White House, will feature a diverse group of nominees, including major influences from culture, politics, and activism. Among them, Bono, known for his real name Paul David Hewson, has previously received France's highest cultural honor and an honorary knighthood, thanks to his tireless campaigns against poverty and his support for HIV/AIDS awareness. Wintour, who has been at the helm of Vogue since 1988, has raised over $20 million for AIDS research and advocated for funding for the arts in the UK amid budget cuts in 2022.
Other notable recipients include Hillary Clinton, the former U.S. secretary of state, and Soros, whose philanthropic endeavors have made him a key figure in the Democratic party. Soros has faced challenges, notably being targeted by a mail bomber in 2018 due to his outspoken criticism of Donald Trump's policies.
Cultural figures like Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and football legend Lionel Messi will also be celebrated for their contributions to the arts and sports. Additionally, humanitarian efforts by chef José Andrés, conservationist Jane Goodall, and science educator Bill Nye are recognized in this prestigious list.
The list further honors posthumous recipients, such as former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, among others. The Medal of Freedom was established under President John F. Kennedy, allowing the sitting president to award it periodically, often based on recommendations from an external advisory panel. Previous honorees have included renowned figures like gymnast Simone Biles and actress Michelle Yeoh.
