Presidential Medal of Freedom

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of the United States, alongside the Congressional Gold Medal. It is an award bestowed by decision of the president of the United States to “any person recommended to the President for award of the Medal or any person selected by the President upon his own initiative,” and was created to recognize people who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”[4] The award is not limited to U.S. citizens.

The recipients of the award tonight (in no special order)

Michael J Fox
Denzel Washington
Anna Wintour
Mitt Romney
Bill Nye the Science Guy
Ralph Lauren
Magic Johnson
Jane Goodall
Hillary Clinton
Bono
Chef Jose Andres

Denzel Washington receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/W59TnJxofk

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 4, 2025

A couple more tweets behind the cut

Michael J. Fox (@realmikefox) receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/HCdi8y9Jhp

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 4, 2025

Jane Goodall (@JaneGoodallInst) receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/uZC1VEWRhI

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 4, 2025

Hoping since this is about the recipients, we can avoid political wank. Also, yes I am the same ty, not an imposter

Source CSpan Twitter and AP Youtube 3, 4, 5 6