Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour, U2 frontman Bono and billionaire George Soros are among those who will receive America’s highest civilian honour from outgoing President Joe Biden.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom will be awarded to 19 people this year, spanning cultural icons, politicians and campaigners. They have been chosen because are they are “good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world”, the White House said.
Biden was to present the medals at the White House in a ceremony on Saturday.
Bono, who’s real name is Paul David Hewson, has already been awarded the highest cultural honour of France and received an honorary knighthood. He is known for campaigning against poverty and supporting those with HIV/Aids.
Wintour, one of the most significant players in fashion, has been serving as editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988 and among other charities helped raised more than $20m for Aids research.
Billionaire philanthropist and major Democrat donor George Soros and US politician Hillary Clinton are also among recipients.
Cultural luminaries - including actors Denzel Washington and Michael J Fox - will receive the medal alongside football star Lionel Messi, retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson and fashion designer Ralph Lauren.
