Bono and Denzel Washington were among the famous names who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from outgoing President Joe Biden on Saturday.
Also receiving America’s highest civilian honour at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on Saturday were Michael J. Fox, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
Sporting legends Lionel Messi, Magic Johnson and fashion designer Ralph Lauren were also recipients, while former U.S. First Lady and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was a politcal honoree.
A White House statement said the award was being presented to those 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.”
They added: “President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else.”
At the ceremony, Biden told the recipients: “Together, you leave an incredible mark – and I mean this sincerely, this group – you leave an incredible mark on our country.”
There were 19 recipients in total, with others named including the naturalist Jane Goodall, billionaire investor George Soros, and TV educator Bill Nye the Science Guy.
