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Hollywood stars were definitely in attendance at the White House before the end of President Joe Biden's term as the chief executive awarded Medals of Freedom to actors, musicians, and fellow politicians.

As reported by the BBC, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, musician Bono, American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr, Kennedy Center chair David Rubenstein, Inter Miami soccer star Lionel Messi, and Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson were the people recognized in the entertainment industry.

CNN reports that Michael J. Fox was recognized for his Parkinson's disease research advocacy, while Bono was recognized for his work his work in fighting AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and building support for the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Outside of the entertainment industry, activists, politicians, fashion industry bigwigs were also awarded the honor. The names include former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, humanitarian and chef José Andrés, British conservationist Jane Goodall, science educator Bill Nye, billionaire George Soros, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

José Andrés was given the medal for his work with the World Central Kitchen, which was described by the White House as revolutionizing the way food aid reaches communities affected by natural disasters and conflicts around the wolrd.

Meanwhile, former US Attorney General Robert F Kennedy, former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer and former Governor of Michigan George W Romney were given the award posthumously.

The Medal of Freedom is the American government's highest civilian honor and was first established under former president John F. Kennedy and its awardees are picked at the discretion of the sitting president and an external advisory panel.

MEANWHILE, CHECK OUT THE HOLLYWOOD STARS WHO STARRED IN BIOPICS