Presidential Medal of Freedom 2025: Pictures of the Recipients

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January 4, 2025 7:03PM EST

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 4: President Joe Biden speaks during a ceremony for the presentation of the Medal of Freedom, in the East Room of the White House on January 4, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tom Brenner/Getty Images)

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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

Hillary Clinton — Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden on January 4, 2025.

2 of 19

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox — Actor and advocate Michael J. Fox was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

3 of 19

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington — Actor Denzel Washington was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

4 of 19

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi — 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.

5 of 19

Bill Nye

Bill Nye — Science educator Bill Nye was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

6 of 19

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson — Basketball icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

7 of 19

Dr. Jane Goodall

Dr. Jane Goodall — Dr. Jane Goodall was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

8 of 19

Robert F. Kennedy

Robert F. Kennedy — 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.

9 of 19

George Soros

George Soros — 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.

10 of 19

Ashton B. Carter

Ashton B. Carter — Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously by Biden on January 4, 2025.

11 of 19

José Andrés

José Andrés — Chef and humanitarian José Andrés was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

12 of 19

Bono

Bono — Bono was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

13 of 19

Tim Gill

Tim Gill — Human rights activist Tim Gill was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

14 of 19

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren — Fashion designer Ralph Lauren was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

15 of 19

Fannie Lou Hamer

Fannie Lou Hamer — 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.

16 of 19

George W. Romney

George W. Romney — 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.

17 of 19

David M. Rubenstein

David M. Rubenstein — Philanthropist David M. Rubenstein was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

18 of 19

George Stevens, Jr.

George Stevens, Jr. — Writer, director, author, and playwright George Stevens, Jr. was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

19 of 19

Anna Wintour

Anna Wintour — Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.

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