U2 frontman Bono was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by US President Joe Biden.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded to 19 people this year, including cultural icons, politicians and activists.
The White House said they were chosen because they are “good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Bono, whose real name is Paul David Hewson, has already been awarded France’s highest cultural honor and has been awarded an honorary knighthood.
U2 was formed in Dublin in 1976 and consists of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.
Aside from music, the Irish singer-songwriter is known for her campaigns against poverty and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
U2 frontman Bono was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by US President Joe Biden
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded to 19 people this year, including cultural icons, politicians and activists.
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 that great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair chance, and put decency above all else,” the White House said.
“These 19 Americans are great leaders who 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 give awards to benefactors who have done good to him.
Billionaire philanthropist David Rubinstein will receive the honor — after allowing Biden to use his waterfront home on Nantucket every Thanksgiving the Democrat was in the White House.
Rubinstein also spent his millions on American cultural institutions — helping promote the Washington Monument, providing the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s panda program, and purchasing a copy of the Magna Carta that was up for auction.
Fashion designer Ralph Lauren will receive the award.
Aside from music, the Irish singer-songwriter is known for her campaigns against poverty and support for people living with HIV/AIDS
He seemed happy to receive the award
This year’s awards were presented at the White House on Saturday, January 4
He designed his granddaughter Naomi’s wedding dress for her White House wedding in November 2022.
The White House said Lauren was receiving the award because he “has made an impact in culture, business, and philanthropy, particularly in the fight against cancer and upholding the Star-Spangled Banner.”
Anna Wintour — who oversaw the glamorous Vogue spread of the aforementioned White House wedding — is also on the list.
She has long been associated with Democratic causes and hosted a fundraiser for Biden while he was still running in the 2024 campaign.
“An advocate for charitable causes, she is also the lead architect behind the annual Met Gala fundraising gala and chief content officer at Condé Nast,” the White House said.
A number of Hollywood types are also included in the list.
Actor Denzel Washington will receive the award, as will U2 singer Bono, who has done a lot of work in the field of HIV/AIDS.
“Back to the Future” star Michael J. Fox — who has already supported the 2020 presidential bid of Biden’s rival Pete Buttigieg — will receive the honor.
“He is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development,” the White House said.
Bill Nye, a man of science, will also receive the award, along with conservationist Dr James Goodall.
U2 was formed in Dublin in 1976 and consists of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.
From the world of sports, soccer stars Lionel Messi and Earvin “Magic” Johnson will be honored.
Tim Gill will get it to promote LBGTQ rights.
Fannie Lou Hamer will be honored posthumously for her civil rights work in the segregated South.
George Stevens Jr., one of the founders of the Kennedy Center Honors, will also receive the award from the president.
In addition, the late Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter will be honored posthumously.
Biden memorably went viral after he rubbed Stephanie Carter’s shoulders and whispered in her ear during the 2015 swearing-in ceremony for Ash Carter, who was chosen to be Secretary of Defense under President Barack Obama.
She later assured Biden that she was not offensive, saying the survey was “a way to offer his support.”