Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteYes. President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox and 17 other recipients at the White House on January 4, 2025. The announcement named 19 honorees; the ceremony has since taken place.
What happened at the White House ceremony?
The January 4 ceremony was held in the White House East Room. The White House described the Presidential Medal of Freedom as the nation’s highest civilian honor and said it recognizes exemplary contributions to the United States’ prosperity, values or security, world peace, or other significant public or private endeavors. The announcement named 19 recipients. In his remarks, Biden said the honorees had helped shape American culture and civic life. The ceremony transcript records his description of them as people who gave their effort “to shape the culture and the cause of America.”
Why were Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox recognized?
Denzel Washington
The White House announcement identified Washington as an actor, director and producer. It also noted his two Academy Awards, a Tony Award and the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Award. These details establish his career background; the announcement does not say that any single award or role was the specific reason for his selection.
Michael J. Fox
The announcement identified Fox as an actor and noted his advocacy for Parkinson’s disease research. The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which is affiliated with Fox, confirmed his receipt of the medal and described the ceremony recognition in the context of that advocacy.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#1 Best Overall
Who were the other 17 recipients?
The complete list announced by the White House was:
- José Andrés
- Bono
- Ashton B. Carter, posthumously
- Hillary Rodham Clinton
- Tim Gill
- Jane Goodall
- Fannie Lou Hamer, posthumously
- Earvin “Magic” Johnson
- Robert F. Kennedy, posthumously
- Lionel Messi
- William Sanford Nye (Bill Nye)
- George W. Romney, posthumously
- David M. Rubenstein
- George Soros
- George Stevens, Jr.
- Anna Wintour
The 19-recipient count refers to those named for the honor, not necessarily to people who attended the ceremony in person.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
Rank #2
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
