President Joe Biden is closing out his time period with a string of starry Medal of Freedom honorees.

On Saturday, the White Home introduced the 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which embody luminaries resembling Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and Invoice Nye, 'the Science man.' The awards will likely be introduced in particular person on the White Home on Jan. 4.

The award is taken into account the nation's highest civilian honor. It’s introduced to people who’ve made "exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or safety of america, world peace, or different vital societal, public or personal endeavors."

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"President Biden believes nice leaders maintain the religion, give everybody a good shot, and put decency above all else," a press release from the White Home learn. "These nineteen Individuals are nice leaders who’ve made America a greater place. They’re nice leaders as a result of they’re good individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their nation and the world."

The recipients additionally embody famend chef José Andrés, U2 frontman Bono, former Secretary of State (and presidential nominee) Hillary Clinton, scientist Jane Goodall, basketball star and philanthropist Magic Johnson, designer Ralph Lauren, soccer star Lionel Messi, style icon Anna Wintour, and founding father of the American Movie Institute and the Kennedy Heart Honors, George Stevens, Jr.

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Washington was beforehand chosen to obtain the dignity in 2022, however he was unable to attend the ceremony attributable to contracting COVID-19. President Biden pledged to award him the dignity at a future date.

The medal grew to become one thing of a political flashpoint beneath Donald Trump's first time period, with many of the honorees being political figures or notable conservatives. He additionally honored Babe Ruth and Elvis Presley posthumously.

Previous to Saturday, President Biden had awarded 37 medals throughout his tenure in workplace. This newest spherical of honorees will convey his complete to 56, essentially the most ever given in the course of the course of a single presidential time period.

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Biden's different honorees embody Olympians Megan Rapinoe, Katie Ledecky, and Simone Biles (the youngest recipient ever at 25 years previous); politicians Gabrielle Gifford, John McCain (posthumously), and Nancy Pelosi; and actress Michelle Yeoh.

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