Hollywood legend Denzel Washington joined eighteen other stars in receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden.
Touching footage shows Washington getting visibly moved as Biden places the nation’s highest civilian award around his neck. The moment ends with the actor turning to give the president a warm embrace.
Washington was among 19 recipients from entertainment, activism and politics who got the award for being “good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
U2’s frontman Bono and Vogue boss Anna Wintour were also honored. Other big names taking home medals included billionaire George Soros, beloved actor Michael J. Fox, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, basketball icon Magic Johnson, and soccer superstar Lionel Messi.
Beyond the spotlight names, the honor went to influential figures like American Film Institute’s George Stevens Jr., former Kennedy Center head David Rubenstein, humanitarian chef José Andres, and famed British conservationist Jane Goodall.
The award was also given posthumously to civil rights champion Fannie Lou Hamer, former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, ex-Defense Secretary Ash Carter, and former Michigan Governor George W Romney.
