US President Joe Biden will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals today, just before the end of his term.
The Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, will go to figures such as soccer star Lionel Messi, basketball legend Erwin “Magic” Johnson, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, and actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington. Fox and Denzel Washington, and U2’s rock musician Bono, among others, according to a White House statement.
The prestigious award recognizes “individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant social, public, or private endeavors,” the statement said.
This year’s honorees also include conservationist Jane Goodall, philanthropist George Soros, fashion icon Anna Wintour, and former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
President-elect Donald Trump will take office on January 20.
