U2 frontman Bono has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by US president Joe Biden.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded to 19 people this year, spanning cultural icons, politicians and campaigners.
They have been chosen because they are ‘good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world’, the White House said.
Bono, who’s real name is Paul David Hewson, has already been awarded the highest cultural honour of France and received an honorary knighthood.
U2 formed in Dublin in 1976 consists of Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.
And away from music, the Irish singer-songwriter is known for campaigning against poverty and supporting those with HIV/Aids.
U2 frontman Bono has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by US president Joe Biden
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded to 19 people this year, spanning cultural icons, politicians and campaigners
This year’s awards were presented at the White House on Saturday, January 4.
Biden will posthumously honor Robert F Kennedy, the former US attorney general and senator who was assassinated in 1968.
‘President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,’ the White House said.
‘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.’
Biden will also present awards to benefactors who’ve been good to him.
Billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein will receive the honor – after letting the Bidens use his Nantucket waterfront home every Thanksgiving the Democrat was in the White House.
Rubeinstein has also poured his millions into American cultural institutions – helping firm up the Washington Monument, provide for the panda program at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and purchase a copy of the Magna Carta that was at auction.
Fashion designer Ralph Lauren will be presented with the award.
Away from music, the Irish singer-songwriter is known for campaigning against poverty and supporting those with HIV/Aids
He looked thrilled to be receiving the award
This year’s awards were presented at the White House on Saturday, January 4
He designed granddaughter Naomi’s wedding dress for her November 2022 White House wedding.
Lauren is receiving the award, the White House said, as he ‘has influenced culture, business, and philanthropy, notably in the fight against cancer and the preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner.’
Anna Wintour – who oversaw a glamorous Vogue spread of said White House wedding – is also on the list.
She’s long been associated with Democratic causes and hosted fundraiser for Biden while he was still running in the 2024 campaign.
‘A champion for philanthropic causes, she is also the leading architect behind the annual Met Gala fundraiser and chief content officer of Condé Nast,’ the White House said.
A number of Hollywood types are also included on the list.
Actor Denzel Washington will receive the award, as will U2 frontman Bono – who’s done a lot of work in the HIV/AIDS space.
Back to the Future star Michael J. Fox – who actually supported Biden rival Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 presidential bid – will also receive the distinction.
‘He is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development,’ the White House said.
Bill Nye the Science Guy will also receive the award, along with conservationist Dr. James Goodall.
U2 formed in Dublin in 1976 consists of Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr
From the athletic world, soccer star Lionel Messi and Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson will be honored.
Tim Gill will receive it for advancing LBGTQ rights.
Fannie Lou Hamer will be honored posthumously for her civil rights work in the segregated south.
Co-creator of the Kennedy Center Honors, George Stevens, Jr., will also receive the award from the president.
Additionally the late Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will be honored posthumously.
Biden memorably went viral for rubbing Stephanie Carter’s shoulders and whispering in her ear during a 2015 swearing-in ceremony for Ash Carter – picked to be President Barack Obama’s secretary of Defense.
She later vouched for Biden and said she wasn’t offending, saying the rubdown was a ‘means of offering his support.’