President Joe Biden is set to honor 19 individuals with the 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom, celebrating their transformative contributions to society. The White House announced the recipients today, with the awards ceremony scheduled also for today (January 4) in the East Room.
This year’s honorees include acclaimed actor Denzel Washington, civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumously), NBA legend Magic Johnson, chef José Andrés, Nobel-winning scientist Jane Goodall, and U2 frontman Bono. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, is awarded to those who have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal endeavors.”
Denzel Washington was initially selected to receive the honor in 2022 but was unable to attend due to contracting COVID-19. At the time, President Biden promised to present the award to Washington at a later date, fulfilling that pledge with this year’s ceremony. Known for his Oscar-winning acting career and his long-standing advocacy as the national spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Washington’s influence extends far beyond Hollywood.
Other honorees include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, soccer icon Lionel Messi, and actor-turned-advocate Michael J. Fox, recognized for his dedication to Parkinson’s disease research. Bill Nye, “The Science Guy,” will also be honored for his contributions to science education, along with George Stevens Jr., founder of the American Film Institute and creator of the Kennedy Center Honors.
Posthumous awards will be given to civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, and Robert F. Kennedy. Hamer, remembered for her fearless activism in the fight for voting rights and racial equality, remains a symbol of resilience and justice.
With this ceremony, President Biden will have awarded 56 Presidential Medals of Freedom during his term, more than any previous president in a single term. This milestone reflects his dedication to recognizing those who have shaped not only the nation but also the world through their leadership, advocacy, and contributions to the betterment of society.
The ceremony promises to highlight a diverse range of accomplishments, from advancing science and education to championing civil rights and global humanitarian efforts. By celebrating these individuals, the event underscores the power of leadership and service to inspire change on a national and global scale.