Biden Honors Cultural Icons with Presidential Medal of Freedom

Mon Oct 20 2025 03:45:19 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

President Biden bestows the distinguished Medal of Freedom to notable personalities, including Anna Wintour, Bono, and George Soros, marking the recognition of their impactful contributions.

In an upcoming ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden will honor 19 distinguished individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian award. Among the esteemed recipients are fashion mogul Dame Anna Wintour, iconic musician Bono, and philanthropic entrepreneur George Soros, recognized for their substantial contributions to society. The White House emphasized that these awardees have been selected for their "extraordinary contributions to their country and the world," with the ceremony scheduled for Saturday. Bono, known for his real name Paul David Hewson, has previously received France's highest cultural distinction, as well as an honorary knighthood, largely for his advocacy against poverty and support for HIV/AIDS initiatives. Wintour, who has been the editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988, has contributed significantly to charitable causes, raising over $20 million for AIDS research and supporting UK arts organizations amid funding cuts in 2022.

Among the honored are also prominent political figures such as Hillary Clinton and humanitarian chef José Andrés, known for his efforts to provide meals in crisis zones through his organization World Central Kitchen. Additionally, cultural legends like Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and football star Lionel Messi, as well as the retired NBA player Earvin "Magic" Johnson and fashion designer Ralph Lauren, will be celebrated. Notable posthumous awards will honor former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights advocate Fannie Lou Hamer.

This prestigious medal, established by President John F. Kennedy, is awarded at the president's discretion based on recommendations from an external advisory panel. Previous recipients include notable figures like Olympic champion Simone Biles and tech visionary Steve Jobs.