Biden Honors Bono, Wintour, and Soros with Medal of Freedom

In a ceremony at the White House, outgoing President Joe Biden will present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 influential individuals for their remarkable impact globally and domestically.

Dame Anna Wintour, U2 frontman Bono, and billionaire philanthropist George Soros headline the list of 19 honorees to receive America's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from outgoing President Joe Biden. The White House emphasized that these individuals have been recognized for being "good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world."

The award ceremony is set to take place on Saturday at the White House, celebrating a diverse array of cultural icons, politicians, and activists. Bono, whose birth name is Paul David Hewson, has previously earned France’s highest cultural honor and honorary knighthood for his relentless campaigning against poverty and for HIV/AIDS awareness.

Wintour, a pivotal figure in the fashion industry as the editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988, has been instrumental in raising more than $20 million for AIDS research and supporting UK arts organizations during funding cuts last year. Soros, a prominent Democratic donor, joins a notable list of recipients that also includes former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Reflecting on the notable nature of this occasion, Clinton is set to receive the medal just weeks before the inauguration of her former political adversary.

The eclectic mix of honorees also features cultural icons such as actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox; soccer legend Lionel Messi; retired basketball icon Earvin "Magic" Johnson; and renowned fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Additionally, humanitarian chef José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, will be recognized for his efforts in providing aid in crisis situations. Other prominent figures include conservationist Jane Goodall and science educator Bill Nye. Posthumous medals will honor influential individuals such as former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established by former President John F. Kennedy, and accolades are bestowed at the discretion of the sitting president, following recommendations from an advisory panel. This year's recipients join an esteemed list that includes trailblazers like gymnast Simone Biles, actress Michelle Yeoh, and tech visionary Steve Jobs.