Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, more to receive Medal of Freedom from Biden

President Joe Biden is closing out his term with a string of starry Medal of Freedom honorees.

On Saturday, the White House announced the 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which include luminaries such as Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and Bill Nye, ‘the Science guy.’ The awards will be presented in person at the White House on Jan. 4.

The award is considered the nation’s highest civilian honor. It is 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.”

“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” a statement from the White House read. “These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”

The recipients also include renowned chef José Andrés, U2 frontman Bono, former Secretary of State (and presidential nominee) Hillary Clinton, scientist Jane Goodall, basketball star and philanthropist Magic Johnson, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, soccer star Lionel Messi, fashion icon Anna Wintour, and founder of the American Film Institute and the Kennedy Center Honors, George Stevens, Jr.

Washington was previously selected to receive the honor in 2022, but he was unable to attend the ceremony due to contracting COVID-19. President Biden pledged to award him the honor at a future date.

The medal became something of a political flashpoint under Donald Trump’s first term, with most of the honorees being political figures or notable conservatives. He also honored Babe Ruth and Elvis Presley posthumously.

Prior to Saturday, President Biden had awarded 37 medals during his tenure in office. This latest round of honorees will bring his total to 56, the most ever given during the course of a single presidential term.

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Biden’s other honorees include Olympians Megan Rapinoe, Katie Ledecky, and Simone Biles (the youngest recipient ever at 25 years old); politicians Gabrielle Gifford, John McCain (posthumously), and Nancy Pelosi; and actress Michelle Yeoh.