In a significant ceremony, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 18 distinguished individuals, including Hillary Clinton, Denzel Washington, Bono, and Michael J. Fox. The event was marked by celebrations, with recipients receiving warm accolades, particularly Clinton, who received a standing ovation. However, the decision to honor figures like George Soros has faced criticism from GOP lawmakers and public figures, igniting discussions about the implications of the awards. Notably, Lionel Messi was absent from the ceremony, which drew further attention amid the mixed reactions surrounding the honorees. Other notable recipients included Ralph Lauren and Magic Johnson, highlighting the diverse contributions recognized by this prestigious award.