Honoring Luminaries: Anna Wintour, Ralph Lauren, And More Receive The Presidential Medal Of Freedom

President Joe Biden recognized 19 individuals for their exemplary contributions to the United States and the world.

For US President Joe Biden’s final Medal of Freedom ceremony, he honored 19 people working in fields across politics, science, culture, and the arts.

“For the final time as president I have the honor of bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, to a group of extraordinary—truly extraordinary people who gave their sacred effort to shape the culture and the cause of America,” President Biden said.

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The awarding ceremony took place at the White House on January 4, 2025. These are the latest recipients of the Medal of Freedom and the advocacies they champion.

Redefining Fashion

Among the list of recipients were fashion icons Anna Wintour and Ralph Lauren. Wintour has led Vogue as editor-in-chief since 1988 and has also served as global chief content officer of Condé Nast since 2020.

As a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Wintour has organized benefits to raise funds for the museum’s Costume Institute. Back in 2017, Forbes reported that she raised $175 million through the Met Gala alone.

Meanwhile, Lauren is known for redefining the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition. A substantial amount of his philanthropy has been focused on cancer care and research.

For the Arts

In the realm of culinary arts, José Andrés is a renowned Spanish-American chef and innovator who is known for popularizing tapas in the US. Founded in 2010, his nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen provides relief to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.

U2 frontman Bono has also received the Presidential award, recognized as a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty. He helped create the United States PEPFAR AIDS program and is co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED).

Award-winning actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington were commended for their contributions to the film industry. Fox is also a vocal advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development while Washington served as National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.

Writer and director George Stevens, Jr. has dedicated his career to preserving and celebrating the best of American film and the performing arts. To support his cause, he founded the American Film Institute and created the Kennedy Center Honors.

Sporting Feats

Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional football. He also supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

In basketball, Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a legendary retired player who helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. Now off the court, he has become a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.

Scientific Contributions

World-renowned zoologist and anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall’s research has transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution. She is also an outspoken environmental advocate, empowering other individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world.

As for science education, William Sanford Nye has influenced generations of American students. In the 90s, Bill Nye the Science Guy was one of the most-watched educational TV shows in the US. Continuing to advocate for science, he also became CEO of the Planetary Society.

Business and Philanthropy

Entrepreneur and computer software programmer Tim Gill has advanced LGBTQI rights and equality through his work. As one of the first openly gay people to be on the Forbes 400 list, his philanthropic efforts through the Gill Foundation has helped secure key victories in the fight for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.

David M. Rubenstein is co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group. Now having built one of the most successful global investment firms, Rubenstein’s philanthropy supports the restoration of historic landmarks and the country’s cultural institutions.

Investor, philanthropist, and founder of the Open Society Foundations George Soros has a network of foundations, partners, and projects in more than 120 countries. His focus is on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.

Public Service

Hillary Clinton was also honored at the ceremony, having made history many times over decades in public service. She was the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate and the first woman nominated for president by a major US political party.

This year, four of the Medals of Freedom were awarded posthumously. These were given to Ashton Baldwin Carter (25th Secretary of Defense), Fannie Lou Hamer (founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party), Robert Francis Kennedy (Attorney General and US Senator), and George W. Romney (43rd Governor of Michigan and the 3rd Secretary of Housing and Urban Development).

Banner image via Wikimedia Commons.